How much does it cost to start a coffee shop in San Diego?

Starting a coffee shop in San Diego costs approximately $225,716 in the first year — $80,300 upfront and $12,118/month in ongoing costs, adjusted for San Diego's cost of living (146.0% of the national average).

What is the LLC filing fee in CA?

The LLC filing fee in CA is $70. California LLCs must pay an $800 minimum annual franchise tax regardless of revenue.

How does San Diego's viability score compare to other cities?

San Diego scores 63/100 across four dimensions: entry cost (9/25), market opportunity (15/25), business climate (14/25), and labor costs (25/25). Compare with other cities using the table below.

Should I Start a Coffee Shop in San Diego? (2026 Viability Score)

Q: Should I start a coffee shop in San Diego?

Based on 2026 data, San Diego scores 63/100 for coffee shop viability — a good fit rating. The score factors in $80,300 in startup costs (adjusted for San Diego's 146.0% cost-of-living index), $70 LLC filing fee, SUTA tax rate of 0.034%, and a workers' comp rate of 0.0154%.

Coffee Shop viability in San Diego, CA — 63/100 (Good Fit). Scores four factors: startup cost, market size, business climate, and labor taxes.

No signup No tracking Last updated March 2026 Open Methodology →

Data current as of March 2026 Sources: SBA, BLS, Secretary of State filings, COLI data

63 / 100

Good Fit

San Diego is a good fit for a coffee shop in 2026. The city scores well on multiple factors. First-year costs run approximately $225,716 — $80,300 upfront plus $12,118/month — adjusted for San Diego's cost-of-living index of 146.0 (46% above the US average).

Score Breakdown

9/25

Entry Cost

First-year startup cost adjusted for COL

$225,716 year one

15/25

Market Size

Population × spending power

0 residents

14/25

Business Climate

LLC fees + state income tax

$70 LLC filing fee

25/25

Labor Costs

SUTA + workers' comp rates

SUTA 0.034% · WC 0.0154%

Cost Snapshot for San Diego

Item	Amount
One-time startup costs	$80,300
Monthly operating costs	$12,118/mo
First-year total	$225,716
LLC filing fee (CA)	$70
Employer SUTA rate (CA)	0.034%
Workers' comp rate (CA)	0.0154%
Cost-of-living index	146.0 (US avg = 100)

All costs adjusted for San Diego's cost-of-living index. National averages used for worker cost rates.

How San Diego Compares

City	Score	COL Index	Verdict
San Diego, CA (this city)	63	146.0	Good Fit
Los Angeles, CA	63	152.0	Good Fit
Seattle, WA	65	149.0	Good Fit
Miami, FL	66	123.0	Good Fit

Go Deeper

Can I Afford It?

Enter your savings and financing to see your funding gap for a coffee shop in San Diego.

Full Cost Breakdown

Line-by-line startup cost breakdown for a coffee shop in San Diego.

Form an LLC in CA

Step-by-step guide to registering your coffee shop as an LLC in CA.

How the Viability Score Works

The score combines four data-driven dimensions, each worth up to 25 points. It measures conditions in San Diego, not your personal finances — a low score means the environment is harder, not that the business can't succeed.

Entry Cost (0–25)

First-year startup cost adjusted for San Diego's cost-of-living index. Lower cost markets score higher.

Market Size (0–25)

City population scaled by cost-of-living index (a proxy for consumer spending power). Larger, wealthier markets score higher.

Business Climate (0–25)

LLC filing fee, annual report fees, and whether the state has a personal income tax. Lower fees and no income tax score higher.

Labor Costs (0–25)

State SUTA (unemployment tax) rate and workers' compensation rate. Lower payroll tax burden scores higher.

Data sources: SBA.gov (LLC fees), BLS QCEW (SUTA rates), NCCI (workers' comp), COLI (cost-of-living). Updated 2026.

Estimates only. These results are based on publicly available data and standard formulas. Actual costs may vary based on your specific circumstances. This calculator does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice on your situation.

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