Home Brewing vs Café: Cost Comparison Guide
Wondering whether making coffee at home actually saves money? This calculator compares your real monthly spending by factoring in materials per cup, equipment amortization, and the number of café visits you'd replace with home brewing.
Home brewing costs break into two parts: materials (beans, milk, syrups — typically $1–2 per cup) and equipment amortization (your machine and grinder cost spread monthly over their lifespan). The average café drink costs $5–7, so replacing 30 visits per month can save $100–$150 monthly.
Even with a $500 espresso machine, most home brewers recoup the investment within 3–6 months. Premium setups at $1,000+ typically pay back within a year when replacing daily café visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Set equipment cost to $0 to compare purely on materials. This shows your ongoing monthly savings without any amortization.
Enter only the visits you'd actually replace with home brewing. Social café outings you'd keep regardless should not be counted.