CostOfCity

How Much Does Start a Restaurant Cost in Portland, OR?

Total cost to open a new restaurant from scratch. Updated March 2026 with data from BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, and industry surveys.

Typical Cost Range
$227.500$975.000
+30% vs national average
$227.500$601.250$975.000
LowNational avg: $462.500High

Portland vs State & National Average

CategoryPortlandOregon AvgNational Avg
Average cost$601.250$594.313$462.500
Low estimate$227.500$445.735$346.875
High estimate$975.000$772.607$601.250

Detailed Cost Breakdown

ItemLowHigh
Lease deposit & first months$19.500$78.000
Kitchen equipment$52.000$260.000
Interior buildout & renovation$65.000$325.000
Licenses, permits & legal$6.500$32.500
Initial inventory & supplies$13.000$39.000
Marketing & branding$6.500$26.000
Working capital (3 months)$39.000$130.000

Start a Restaurant in Nearby Cities

Eugene, OR
$518.000
+12% vs national
Olympia, WA
$531.875
+15% vs national
Tacoma, WA
$555.000
+20% vs national
Bend, OR
$624.375
+35% vs national
Seattle, WA
$795.500
+72% vs national

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does start a restaurant cost in Portland?

In Portland, OR, start a restaurant typically costs between $227.500 and $975.000. The average is $601.250, which is 30% above the national average.

Is Portland expensive for start a restaurant?

Portland has a cost-of-living index of 130 (100 = national average). Start a Restaurant costs are 30% higher than the national average of $462.500.

What factors affect start a restaurant costs in Portland?

Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, Oregon state regulations, and Portland's overall cost of living (index: 130/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.