Beekeeping Startup Calculator
Calculate the costs and supplies needed to start beekeeping.
Plan your first hive setup and annual expenses.
Beekeeping Costs
Starting a beehive requires equipment, bees, and protective gear. Most beginners start with 1–2 hives.
Startup costs (approximate):
- Hive kit (Langstroth): $150–$300 per hive
- Package of bees (3 lbs): $100–$175
- Nucleus colony (nuc): $150–$250 (recommended for beginners)
- Bee suit + gloves: $80–$200
- Smoker: $30–$50
- Hive tool: $10–$20
- Feeder: $15–$30 per hive
- Entrance reducer: $5–$10 per hive
Annual costs per hive:
- Sugar for feeding: $20–$40
- Medications/treatments: $20–$50
- Replacement frames/wax: $20–$40
- Winterization supplies: $10–$30
Honey yield estimates:
- First year: 0–20 lbs (0–9 kg) — often none as colony builds
- Second year+: 30–60 lbs (14–27 kg) per hive
- Strong hive, good year: 60–100+ lbs (27–45+ kg)
Starting with 2 hives is recommended. If one colony fails, you can use the other to recover.