Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Per hour (shared)
Monthly (dedicated)
Best value state
Most expensive
Commercial kitchen rental costs in the US vary dramatically - from $15/hour in Dallas to $80/hour in Manhattan. Whether you're launching a ghost kitchen, catering business, or food product line, understanding real market rates helps you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
Kitchen Rental Costs by City
Denver, CO
Growing market with reasonable costs. RiNo/LoDo premium areas.
Types of Commercial Kitchen Rentals
Hourly Shared Kitchen
Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost
- Flexible scheduling
- Test concepts cheaply
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Shared equipment
- No customization
Monthly Membership
Pros:
- Predictable costs
- More availability
- Often cheaper per hour
Cons:
- Monthly commitment
- May not use all hours
- Still shared space
Dedicated Ghost Kitchen
Pros:
- Your own space
- Brand consistency
- Scale operations
Cons:
- Higher fixed cost
- Lease commitment
- Less flexibility
Full Commercial Lease
Pros:
- Full control
- Custom build-out
- Long-term stability
Cons:
- Highest cost
- Build-out required
- Major commitment
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Equipment Deposit
Refundable, required by most shared kitchens
$500-2,500
Insurance
$1-2M liability required by most facilities
$150-400/month
Storage Fees
Dry storage, refrigeration, freezer space
$50-300/month
Delivery Platform Commissions
Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub fees
15-30% of orders
Permits & Licenses
Health permits, business licenses (varies by city)
$200-1,500/year
Technology/POS
Multi-platform integration, order management
$100-500/month
How to Save Money on Kitchen Rental
Start with hourly rental
Test your concept before committing to monthly or dedicated space
Look outside downtown
Industrial areas and suburbs offer same quality at lower cost
Negotiate off-peak hours
Late night and early morning shifts often discounted
Bundle services
Storage, membership, and insurance packages save money
Sign longer lease terms
12-24 month commitments get better monthly rates
Share with complementary business
Split dedicated space with non-competing food business
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a commercial kitchen per hour?
Hourly rates for shared commercial kitchens range from $15-80/hour in the US. Texas cities (Dallas, Austin) are cheapest at $15-45/hour. Coastal cities (NYC, SF, LA) are most expensive at $30-80/hour. Most kitchens offer discounts for off-peak hours and bulk bookings.
What's cheaper - hourly rental or monthly membership?
Monthly memberships become cheaper if you use more than 40-50 hours per month. For example, a $1,000/month membership with unlimited hours costs $25/hour if you use 40 hours, but only $10/hour at 100 hours. Start hourly, track your usage, then switch when the math works.
What's included in commercial kitchen rental?
Most rentals include: basic equipment (ovens, cooktops, refrigeration, prep tables), utilities, and cleaning supplies. Some include storage, while others charge extra. You typically need to bring: ingredients, specialty equipment, packaging, and your own insurance.
How much does a ghost kitchen cost to start?
You can start a ghost kitchen from $10,000-20,000 using shared kitchen space, or $40,000-100,000+ for a dedicated space. The main costs are: first/last month rent, equipment deposit, insurance, permits, initial inventory, and working capital. See our US ghost kitchen market report for detailed analysis.
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
With 15 years in the food service industry, James Mitchell has managed operations for multiple ghost kitchen networks across the UK. He specializes in delivery-only kitchen models, kitchen equipment procurement, and helping startups scale their food businesses efficiently.
Areas of Expertise
Credentials
- MBA in Hospitality Management
- Former Operations Director at major ghost kitchen operator
- Food Hygiene Level 4 Certified
- 15+ years food service industry
- Managed 20+ dark kitchen locations