How Much Does It Cost to Start a Café in Singapore?

Thinking of opening a café in Singapore? While the idea is exciting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the startup costs involved before diving in. Many first-time café owners underestimate how much capital they actually need. From renovation works to staffing and permits, the investment can quickly add up.

Whether you’re planning a cosy café in an HDB area or a stylish coffee space in the city, knowing your budget is key. It’s also wise to work with partners who understand both F&B operations and affordable interior design in Singapore—especially those experienced in everything from HDB bathroom renovation to full commercial fit-outs. This guide will walk you through the essential expenses so you can plan wisely and avoid unexpected surprises.

Rental Deposit and Renovation Costs

One of the largest upfront costs is securing a shop space and renovating it to suit your concept.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Rental Deposit (3–6 months)	$12,000 – $60,000
Monthly Rent	$4,000 – $20,000
Renovation and Fit-Out	$30,000 – $150,000
Ducting Works	$10,000 – $20,000

Rent varies greatly based on location. Prime areas like Orchard or the CBD are significantly more expensive. For those on a tighter budget, heartland malls or HDB shopfronts can offer more affordable alternatives.

Equipment and Furniture

Investing in quality equipment is essential for delivering a good café experience.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Espresso Machine	$5,000 – $20,000
Coffee Grinder	$800 – $3,000
Refrigerators, Ovens, etc.	$5,000 – $15,000
POS System	$1,500 – $5,000
Tables, Chairs, Décor	$5,000 – $30,000

Don’t forget that café aesthetics matter—well-chosen furniture and decoration can make your space more inviting and increase customer retention.

Licensing and Compliance

Before you can officially open, you’ll need to meet several regulatory requirements.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
SFA Food Shop Licence	~$195/year
NEA and URA Permits	Varies
Fire Safety Certification	Included in Renovation
ACRA Business Registration	~$115 – $315

Proper licensing is not just legal—it gives your customers peace of mind regarding cleanliness and safety.

Staffing and Training

Your team is at the heart of your café’s operations.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Baristas, Cooks, Service Crew	$2,000 – $3,500 per staff/month
Foreign Worker Levy	$300 – $950/month
Uniforms and Training	$1,000 – $3,000

Skilled staff can set your café apart from the competition, so don’t hesitate to invest in proper training.

Marketing and Initial Inventory

Spreading the word and stocking up before opening day is crucial.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Initial Food/Coffee Stock	$2,000 – $10,000
Menu Design and Packaging	$500 – $2,000
Website and Social Media	$1,000 – $5,000
Opening Promotions	$1,000 – $5,000

Online presence is vital in Singapore's café scene. Make sure your café is searchable and visually appealing on social platforms.

Working Capital

Even after opening, you’ll need extra funds to keep the business running smoothly.

Item	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Cash Reserve (3–6 months)	$20,000 – $100,000

This buffer allows you to cover overhead costs while building a steady customer base.

Hidden and Often Overlooked Costs

Some expenses are commonly forgotten during budgeting:

• Renovation Overruns: Costs may exceed the quote by 10–30%.

• Electrical Load Upgrades: Additional wiring for café machines may cost $1,000–$5,000.

• Grease Traps and Exhaust Ducting: Mandatory for cafés serving hot food, typically $5,000–$20,000.

• Fire Safety Certification: Involves submission, inspection, and final sign-off.

• Pest Control: Ongoing contract at $80–$200/month.

• Maintenance and Repairs: Budget at least $200–$500/month.

• POS Licensing Fees: Subscription charges for software are separate from hardware costs.

Planning for these can prevent delays and disruptions down the road.

The Design Factory – Supporting Your Café and Interior Design Needs

At The Design Factory, we understand that starting a café isn’t just about great coffee—it’s about creating the right space that functions well and looks inviting to customers. Whether you need a full café build-out, HDB bathroom renovation, or expert guidance on selecting durable materials, we’ve got you covered.

We offer end-to-end support, from affordable kitchen layouts to sourcing energy-efficient appliances that qualify for government grants. As one of the experienced commercial interior design firms in Singapore, we tailor each space to your concept, your budget, and your long-term goals.

Let us help you turn your café vision into a reality—with smart, practical, and affordable design solutions.