Free tool
What does it cost to start a home bakery?
This free calculator is for a US home bakery or cottage food bakery. Start with what is already in your kitchen, then add the bakery tools, packaging, labels, and cottage food steps you still need. You get a real number, a shopping list, and how many loaves, dozens, or cakes you need to sell. No signup.
Updated November 13, 2026. No signup. Your numbers stay in your browser.
Step 1
What do you already have?
Tap what is already in your kitchen. Most home bakers have the basics.
Step 2
What will you sell?
Pick one to start. You can add more later.
Step 3
Where will you sell?
Pick the one you will try first. The kit and monthly costs change with it.
How many days you set up each month.
Ask the market manager. It varies by market.
Porch pickup needs no extra kit. Your bags and labels are already in the packaging list.
Used only on your printout. The tool does not look up state fees.
To start
$400
Exact: $395.00
Rounded to the nearest $25.
- Before your first sale
- $445
- Each month
- $25
- To cover each month
- 4 loaves
- To pay yourself$500
- 80 loaves
At $9 a loaf and $2.40 in ingredients and packaging, 4 loaves a month cover your monthly costs.
At this price you lose money on every item. Raise the price or lower the cost.
Share restores your product, channel, and numbers. Table edits stay on this device.
To start $400. Before your first sale$445. Each month$25.
Cottage food checklist
- State permit or registration.$0.00 in this budget. Add your state fee in the table.
- Food handler course.$15.00 in this budget. Required in many states.
- Labels. Ingredients, allergens, net weight, and your business name.
- Sales rules. Check what your state allows you to sell and where.
Rules vary by state. This tool does not decide whether your kitchen or product is allowed.
Your bakery shopping listEdit every line
Every line is editable. Tap Have it and the line drops to $0. Prices are typical US retail estimates for October 2026.
Kitchen equipment
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home ovenMost kitchens have one. Add a price only if you need a second oven or a replacement. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Stand mixerA 5-quart tilt-head is enough for most home batches. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sheet pans (2 half sheets) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Loaf pans (2) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Kitchen scaleA scale that reads grams makes bread and pastry repeatable. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cooling racks (2) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Fridge or freezer spaceNo purchase. Check that you have room for dough and baked goods. | $ | $0.00 |
Bakery tools
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proofing baskets (2) with liners | $ | $30.00 | ||
| Dough lame, bench scraper, and bowl scraper | $ | $32.00 | ||
| Dough storage container | $ | $18.00 | ||
| Dough thermometer and whisk | $ | $10.00 | ||
| Bread slicer guide | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Dough whisk and bench scraper | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Dough storage container | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pullman loaf pan | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cookie scoop (2 sizes) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Silicone baking mats | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Storage containers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cookie stamps or cutters | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cake pans (3 round) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cake turntable | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Piping tips and bags | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cake leveler | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Offset spatula set | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pie tins (6) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Rolling pin | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pastry brush | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pastry blender | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Storage containers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Proofing boards | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Large boiling pot | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Slotted spoon | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bench scraper | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Storage containers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Funnel set | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Scoop set | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Storage containers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Mixing bowls | $ | $0.00 |
Packaging and labels
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread bags (100) | $ | $30.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickersIngredients, allergens, net weight, and your business name. | $ | $58.00 | ||
| Bread tags, tape, and twine | $ | $16.00 | ||
| Window bags (50) | $ | $36.00 | ||
| Bread bags (100) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bread tags and tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Window bags (50) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cookie boxes (50) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Window bags (100) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Tissue paper and tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cake boards (25) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cake boxes (25) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cupcake liners (500) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Ribbon and tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pie boxes (25) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Pastry boxes (50) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Parchment and tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bread bags (100) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and allergen stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bakery tissue and tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Window bags (50) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Quart jars (24) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food labels and ingredient stickers | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bags and twist ties | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Tamper and scoop | $ | $0.00 |
First ingredients
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread flour (50 lb) | $ | $70.00 | ||
| Whole wheat flour (10 lb) | $ | $19.00 | ||
| Salt (3 lb) | $ | $8.00 | ||
| Starter feed flour (10 lb) | $ | $23.00 | ||
| Rice flour and semolina for dusting | $ | $13.00 | ||
| Butter and oil for the first bakes | $ | $17.00 | ||
| Bread flour (50 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Whole wheat flour (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Milk powder | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Butter (4 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Yeast | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Salt (3 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Butter (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Brown sugar (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Flour (25 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Eggs (5 dozen) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Chocolate chips (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Vanilla | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Baking soda and salt | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Flour (25 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (25 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Butter (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Eggs (10 dozen) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cocoa (3 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Vanilla | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Baking powder and salt | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Powdered sugar (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Flour (25 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Butter (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Eggs (5 dozen) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Fruit filling (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cinnamon and spices | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Salt (3 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Bread flour (50 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Yeast | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Salt (3 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Malt syrup | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Baking soda for pretzels | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sesame seeds and toppings | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Rolled oats (25 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Almonds (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Honey (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Maple syrup | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Dried fruit (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Seeds (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Flour (10 lb) | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Sugar (5 lb) | $ | $0.00 |
Cottage food compliance
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State cottage food permit or registrationVaries by state. Add your fee here. The tool never guesses it. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Food handler courseRequired in many states. Check your state guide. | $ | $15.00 | ||
| Cottage food label reviewLabel printing is in your packaging list. Check ingredients, allergens, net weight, and your business name. | $ | $0.00 | Check | |
| State rules reviewRead your state guide before you sell. This tool does not decide what is allowed. | $ | $0.00 | Check |
Market kit
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order forms and pickup signs | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Payment QR sign | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Order tags | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Folding table | $ | $0.00 | ||
| 10 x 10 canopy | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Tablecloth | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Market signage | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cash box | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Card readerMany readers are free. Card fees are in the monthly list. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Display crates | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cooler | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Ice packs | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Delivery crates | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Invoice book | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Wholesale labels | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Extra bread bags | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Cottage food wholesale rules checkSome states do not allow cottage food sales to cafés. Check before you promise an order. | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Shipping boxes | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Padding and void fill | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Shipping labels | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Packing tape | $ | $0.00 | ||
| Shipping scale | $ | $0.00 |
Each month
| Item | Qty | Each | Total | Have it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra power or gasThe extra from baking for sale, on top of your normal home use. | $ | $25.00 | Each month | |
| Market booth feeDays at the market times the booth fee. Set both in step 3. | 2 | $25.00 | $0.00 | Each month |
| Card reader feesAdd your monthly card fees. Most readers take a small percent of each sale. | $ | $0.00 | Each month | |
| Packaging restockKeep this at $0 if packaging is already in your price per item. | $ | $0.00 | Each month | |
| Ingredient restockKeep this at $0 if ingredients are already in your price per item. | $ | $0.00 | Each month | |
| Cottage food liability insuranceIf you pay once a year, divide the yearly price by 12. | $ | $0.00 | Each month | |
| Shop or order softwareOnly add this if you pay for a shop or order form. | $ | $0.00 | Each month | |
| Phone shareThe part of your phone bill you use for orders and messages. | $ | $0.00 | Each month |
Low estimate:$310.00
Your typical estimate:$395.00
Low uses the same lines at lower prices. Your edits show in the typical column. The headline rounds the typical total to the nearest $25.
Buy this week
- Proofing baskets
- Dough tools
- Bread bags
- Cottage food labels
- Bread flour
- Food handler course
Wait until 5 orders
- Dough storage container
- Bread tags and tape
- Window bags
- Whole wheat flour
Skip for now
- A commercial spiral mixer
- Custom printed boxes
- A second fridge
- A glass pastry case
Check the math
How many do you need to sell?
Use your own price and cost per item. The break-even line updates with them.
What you charge.
Not your time.
Owner pay is not a cash cost in the startup total.
A cushion before the first sale. Two months is the default.
Not sure what one loaf or cake costs you?Price it first.
Your month
The plain version
At $9 a loaf and $2.40 in ingredients and packaging, 4 loaves a month cover your monthly costs.
About 80 loaves a month to pay yourself $500 after monthly costs.
This covers costs and your pay target. It does not include income tax, sales tax, or loan payments.
What this includes
- Typical US retail prices for October 2026. Every line is editable.
- A home kitchen, not a commercial bakery, storefront, food truck, or restaurant.
- Bakery equipment, packaging, labels, first ingredients, cottage food steps, and the kit for your sales channel.
- Your monthly costs and a cushion before the first sale.
What it leaves out
- Income tax, sales tax, LLC fees, and loan interest.
- Your own pay as a cash cost. The pay target is a separate line.
- State permit and insurance fees, because they vary. They default to $0 and you can add them.
- Any promise that your kitchen or product is allowed. Check your state guide.
Where the numbers come from
The ranges are typical US retail prices and home baker reports, not quotes. Check your local store and your state guide.
- Sarah's Sourdough first-year breakdown
- MyPorch guide to starting a home bakery
- Forrager cottage food law resource
- Brevl cottage food laws by state
- Brevl cottage food label requirements
This is a bakery budget, not a quote. Prices vary by store and state. It is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Check your state's cottage food rules before you sell.
Planning further? Read thehome baking business plan, checkcottage food laws by state, or see whether afarmers marketis worth the booth fee.
Brevl
Home bakery startup budget
Sourdough bread · Porch pickup · November 13, 2026
State:
Your bakery shopping list
| Item | Status | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen equipment | ||
| Home oven | Have it | $0.00 |
| Stand mixer | Have it | $0.00 |
| Sheet pans (2 half sheets) | Have it | $0.00 |
| Loaf pans (2) | Have it | $0.00 |
| Kitchen scale | Have it | $0.00 |
| Cooling racks (2) | Have it | $0.00 |
| Fridge or freezer space | Check | $0.00 |
| Bakery tools | ||
| Proofing baskets | Buy | $30.00 |
| Dough tools | Buy | $32.00 |
| Dough storage container | Buy | $18.00 |
| Dough thermometer and whisk | Buy | $10.00 |
| Bread slicer | Buy | $18.00 |
| Dough tools | Buy | $26.00 |
| Dough storage container | Buy | $18.00 |
| Pullman loaf pan | Buy | $38.00 |
| Cookie scoop | Buy | $20.00 |
| Baking mats | Buy | $26.00 |
| Storage containers | Buy | $18.00 |
| Cookie stamps or cutters | Buy | $15.00 |
| Cake pans | Buy | $34.00 |
| Cake turntable | Buy | $26.00 |
| Piping tips | Buy | $30.00 |
| Cake leveler | Buy | $18.00 |
| Offset spatula set | Buy | $15.00 |
| Pie tins | Buy | $26.00 |
| Rolling pin | Buy | $22.00 |
| Pastry brush | Buy | $9.00 |
| Pastry blender | Buy | $12.00 |
| Storage containers | Buy | $18.00 |
| Proofing boards | Buy | $24.00 |
| Boiling pot | Buy | $32.00 |
| Slotted spoon | Buy | $12.00 |
| Bench scraper | Buy | $10.00 |
| Storage containers | Buy | $18.00 |
| Funnel set | Buy | $12.00 |
| Scoop set | Buy | $15.00 |
| Storage containers | Buy | $18.00 |
| Mixing bowls | Buy | $24.00 |
| Packaging and labels | ||
| Bread bags | Buy | $30.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $58.00 |
| Bread tags and tape | Buy | $16.00 |
| Window bags | Buy | $36.00 |
| Bread bags | Buy | $30.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $58.00 |
| Bread tags and tape | Buy | $16.00 |
| Window bags (50) | Buy | $36.00 |
| Cookie boxes | Buy | $40.00 |
| Window bags | Buy | $24.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $52.00 |
| Tissue paper and tape | Buy | $12.00 |
| Cake boards | Buy | $26.00 |
| Cake boxes | Buy | $42.00 |
| Cupcake liners (500) | Buy | $12.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $52.00 |
| Ribbon and tape | Buy | $12.00 |
| Pie boxes | Buy | $35.00 |
| Pastry boxes | Buy | $40.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $52.00 |
| Parchment and tape | Buy | $14.00 |
| Bread bags | Buy | $30.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $58.00 |
| Bakery tissue and tape | Buy | $14.00 |
| Window bags (50) | Buy | $36.00 |
| Quart jars | Buy | $32.00 |
| Cottage food labels | Buy | $52.00 |
| Bags and twist ties | Buy | $16.00 |
| Tamper and scoop | Buy | $12.00 |
| First ingredients | ||
| Bread flour | Buy | $70.00 |
| Whole wheat flour | Buy | $19.00 |
| Salt (3 lb) | Buy | $8.00 |
| Starter feed | Buy | $23.00 |
| Rice flour and semolina for dusting | Buy | $13.00 |
| Butter and oil for the first bakes | Buy | $17.00 |
| Bread flour | Buy | $70.00 |
| Whole wheat flour | Buy | $19.00 |
| Milk powder | Buy | $12.00 |
| Butter (4 lb) | Buy | $16.00 |
| Sugar (5 lb) | Buy | $7.00 |
| Yeast | Buy | $12.00 |
| Salt (3 lb) | Buy | $8.00 |
| Butter | Buy | $45.00 |
| Sugar (10 lb) | Buy | $14.00 |
| Brown sugar (5 lb) | Buy | $11.00 |
| Flour | Buy | $36.00 |
| Eggs (5 dozen) | Buy | $20.00 |
| Chocolate chips | Buy | $45.00 |
| Vanilla | Buy | $12.00 |
| Baking soda and salt | Buy | $9.00 |
| Flour | Buy | $36.00 |
| Sugar | Buy | $26.00 |
| Butter | Buy | $45.00 |
| Eggs | Buy | $38.00 |
| Cocoa (3 lb) | Buy | $24.00 |
| Vanilla | Buy | $12.00 |
| Baking powder and salt | Buy | $12.00 |
| Powdered sugar (5 lb) | Buy | $14.00 |
| Flour | Buy | $36.00 |
| Butter | Buy | $45.00 |
| Sugar (10 lb) | Buy | $14.00 |
| Eggs (5 dozen) | Buy | $20.00 |
| Fruit filling | Buy | $35.00 |
| Cinnamon and spices | Buy | $9.00 |
| Salt (3 lb) | Buy | $8.00 |
| Bread flour | Buy | $70.00 |
| Yeast | Buy | $12.00 |
| Salt (3 lb) | Buy | $8.00 |
| Sugar (5 lb) | Buy | $7.00 |
| Malt syrup | Buy | $12.00 |
| Baking soda for pretzels | Buy | $6.00 |
| Sesame seeds and toppings | Buy | $15.00 |
| Rolled oats | Buy | $38.00 |
| Almonds | Buy | $40.00 |
| Honey | Buy | $24.00 |
| Maple syrup | Buy | $16.00 |
| Dried fruit (5 lb) | Buy | $24.00 |
| Seeds (5 lb) | Buy | $20.00 |
| Flour (10 lb) | Buy | $16.00 |
| Sugar (5 lb) | Buy | $8.00 |
| Cottage food compliance | ||
| State permit | Check | $0.00 |
| Food handler course | Buy | $15.00 |
| Label review | Check | $0.00 |
| State rules review | Check | $0.00 |
| Market kit | ||
| Order forms and pickup signs | Buy | $12.00 |
| Payment QR sign | Buy | $6.00 |
| Order tags | Buy | $8.00 |
| Folding table | Buy | $60.00 |
| Canopy | Buy | $120.00 |
| Tablecloth | Buy | $20.00 |
| Market signage | Buy | $25.00 |
| Cash box | Buy | $18.00 |
| Card reader | Check | $0.00 |
| Display crates | Buy | $35.00 |
| Cooler | Buy | $40.00 |
| Ice packs | Buy | $12.00 |
| Delivery crates | Buy | $45.00 |
| Invoice book | Buy | $12.00 |
| Wholesale labels | Buy | $18.00 |
| Extra bread bags | Buy | $28.00 |
| Wholesale rules check | Check | $0.00 |
| Shipping boxes | Buy | $30.00 |
| Padding | Buy | $15.00 |
| Shipping labels | Buy | $12.00 |
| Packing tape | Buy | $6.00 |
| Shipping scale | Buy | $25.00 |
| Each month | ||
| Extra power or gas | Each month | $25.00 |
| Market booth fee | Each month | $50.00 |
| Card reader fees | Each month | $0.00 |
| Packaging restock | Each month | $0.00 |
| Ingredient restock | Each month | $0.00 |
| Cottage food liability insurance | Each month | $0.00 |
| Shop or order software | Each month | $0.00 |
| Phone share | Each month | $0.00 |
Cottage food checklist
- State permit or registration:$0.00. Add your state fee.
- Food handler course:$15.00.
- Labels: ingredients, allergens, net weight, and your business name.
- State guide: brevl.co/blog/cottage-food-laws-usa/
- Check your state guide before you sell.
Buy this week
- Proofing baskets
- Dough tools
- Bread bags
- Cottage food labels
- Bread flour
- Food handler course
Skip for now
- A commercial spiral mixer
- Custom printed boxes
- A second fridge
- A glass pastry case
How many to sell
At $9 a loaf and $2.40 in ingredients and packaging, 4 loaves a month cover your monthly costs.
About 80 loaves a month to pay yourself $500 after monthly costs.
Assumptions
Typical US retail prices, October 2026. Every line is editable. Home kitchen only. Excludes income tax, sales tax, LLC fees, loan interest, and owner pay. Permit and insurance default to $0 because they vary.
Sources
Sarah's Sourdough, MyPorch, Forrager, and Brevl cottage food guides. Full links on the web page.
This is a bakery budget, not a quote. It is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Check your state's cottage food rules before you sell.
Ready when you are
You know the number. Now take the order.
Brevl gives you a shop, an order form, and pickup times for $20 a month. 14 days free. We can set it up with you.
Common questions
Do I need a commercial kitchen to start a home bakery?
Not always. Many states let you bake from your home kitchen under a cottage food permit or registration. The rules depend on your state and what you sell. Check your state guide before you take an order.
How much does a cottage food permit cost?
It varies by state. Some states charge nothing, some charge a small fee, and some require a registration instead of a permit. This tool starts at $0 and lets you add your own fee. It never guesses.
What should I buy first?
Start with the tools your product actually needs, the packaging and labels, your first ingredients, and the food handler course. Skip the commercial mixer, custom printed boxes, and second fridge until orders justify them.
Can I sell at a farmers market from my home kitchen?
Many cottage food bakers do. Ask the market manager what they require, and check your state rules for the products you want to sell. The market kit in this tool covers the table, canopy, signage, and booth fee.
Can I ship my bakes?
Only shelf-stable items usually ship well, such as cookies, granola, and dry mixes. Cakes, custards, and other perishable items need a different plan. Check your state rules and the carrier rules before you promise shipping.
Why is this number lower than a bakery startup calculator?
Most bakery calculators assume a storefront, a commercial kitchen, or a full equipment package. This tool starts with what you already own and adds the bakery tools, packaging, labels, and cottage food steps you still need. It is for a home kitchen, not a commercial bakery.