Home Brewing Cost: How Much Does It Really Cost to Brew Beer at Home?

When you start home brewing, the process of making beer in your kitchen or garage using malt, hops, yeast, and basic equipment. Also known as homebrewing, it’s a hobby that turns beer drinkers into makers. But here’s the real question: is it cheaper than buying six-packs at the store? The answer isn’t simple—it depends on what you buy, how often you brew, and whether you treat it like a hobby or a science project.

Let’s talk about the gear. A basic beer making kit, a starter set that includes a fermenter, airlock, siphon, and bottling equipment costs between $70 and $150. That’s a one-time hit. Then there’s the brewing supplies, the ingredients you use every batch: malt extract, hops, yeast, and priming sugar. A single batch (5 gallons, roughly 50 bottles) runs $30 to $60 in ingredients. Compare that to buying the same amount of craft beer at $2 to $4 per bottle—you’re looking at $100 to $200. So after two or three batches, you’re already ahead. But if you upgrade to all-grain brewing, add a mash tun, thermometer, or electric heater, your upfront cost can jump to $500. That’s not a budget move—it’s a long-term play.

What most beginners don’t realize is that time and cleanup matter too. You’ll spend 4 to 6 hours on brew day, plus another hour cleaning everything. If you value your free time, that’s a hidden cost. But if you love the smell of boiling wort, the quiet focus of waiting for fermentation, or the pride of pouring your own beer, then the cost isn’t just dollars—it’s satisfaction. And that’s something no six-pack can buy.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly what you need to start, how long ingredients last, which kits give you the most bang for your buck, and how to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor. Some folks swear by budget brands like Kirkland gin-style shortcuts; others go all-in on specialty hops and yeast strains. Whether you’re curious if home brewing is worth it, or you’re already halfway through your first batch, this collection gives you the straight facts—not marketing fluff. No fluff. Just cost, value, and the real truth behind every bottle you make.