Cost to Open a Restaurant in Austin (2026)

A data-backed estimate of startup investment, monthly costs, revenue, and break-even — based on 2026 TX, USA benchmarks.

📍 TX, USA👥 Pop. 1.0M🍽️ F&B density: High
$291K
Total investment
$5K
Monthly rent
$78K
Monthly costs
5+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$95,000
Equipment$102,152
Licenses, inventory & launch$39,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$14,400
Working capital reserve$40,000
Total startup investment$290,552

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$4,800
Payroll$27,222
Food cost (~33% of revenue)$39,600
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$750
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$5,300
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$77,672

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (40–100 customers/day @ $25–$60/ticket)$34K–$206K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$15,100 – $99,756/mo
Time to recoup investment5+ months

What's different about opening in Austin

Austin has the lowest occupancy and build costs of the major US food markets here, which is why the same concept opens for roughly 15% less than in New York. It is also among the most competitive per capita — the low barrier to entry means new places open constantly. Cheap rent does not help a concept that cannot differentiate.

Estimates for the Austin area using 2026 TX, USA benchmarks. Actual rent and costs vary by exact location, lease terms, and concept. Run your own numbers for a precise projection.

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