Cost to Open a Restaurant in Seattle (2026)

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

📍 WA, USA👥 Pop. 0.75M🍽️ F&B density: High
$321K
Total investment
$6K
Monthly rent
$85K
Monthly costs
5+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$113,750
Equipment$108,932
Licenses, inventory & launch$39,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$19,200
Working capital reserve$40,000
Total startup investment$320,882

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$6,400
Payroll$32,806
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)$84,856

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (40–100 customers/day @ $25–$60/ticket)$34K–$206K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$22,284 – $92,572/mo
Time to recoup investment5+ months

What's different about opening in Seattle

Seattle has high wage floors — payroll runs close to coastal-California levels — paired with rent below New York or LA. Coffee culture is mature and sophisticated here, which cuts both ways: customers know quality, and the competitive bar for a cafe is higher than almost anywhere in the country.

Estimates for the Seattle area using 2026 WA, 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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