How Much Does Start a Restaurant Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?
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
$192.500 – $825.000
+10% vs national average
$192.500$508.750$825.000
LowNational avg: $462.500High
Salt Lake City vs State & National Average
| Category | Salt Lake City | Utah Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $508.750 | $506.438 | $462.500 |
| Low estimate | $192.500 | $379.829 | $346.875 |
| High estimate | $825.000 | $658.369 | $601.250 |
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease deposit & first months | $16.500 | $66.000 | |
| Kitchen equipment | $44.000 | $220.000 | |
| Interior buildout & renovation | $55.000 | $275.000 | |
| Licenses, permits & legal | $5.500 | $27.500 | |
| Initial inventory & supplies | $11.000 | $33.000 | |
| Marketing & branding | $5.500 | $22.000 | |
| Working capital (3 months) | $33.000 | $110.000 |
Start a Restaurant in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does start a restaurant cost in Salt Lake City?
In Salt Lake City, UT, start a restaurant typically costs between $192.500 and $825.000. The average is $508.750, which is 10% above the national average.
Is Salt Lake City expensive for start a restaurant?
Salt Lake City has a cost-of-living index of 110 (100 = national average). Start a Restaurant costs are 10% higher than the national average of $462.500.
What factors affect start a restaurant costs in Salt Lake City?
Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, Utah state regulations, and Salt Lake City's overall cost of living (index: 110/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.