💰 Interactive Tool

First Year Beekeeping Cost Calculator

No more sticker shock. Get an honest estimate of what you'll actually spend in your first year of beekeeping—equipment, bees, gear, and supplies included.

How many hives?

We recommend starting with 2 hives so you can share resources between them.

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2
1 hive 2 hives 3 hives
Good choice! Two hives let you move frames between colonies if one is struggling.

Hive Equipment

Standard Langstroth setup with brood boxes, frames, and covers.

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Includes: bottom board, 2 deep brood boxes, 20 frames with foundation, inner cover, outer cover

Your Bees

How you'll acquire your first colony of bees.

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Our pick: Nucs have 77% first-year survival vs 38% for packages. The extra $55 is worth it.

Protective Gear

Suit or jacket, veil, and gloves. Don't skip this.

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All options include leather or goatskin gloves ($20-40 value)

Essential Tools

Smoker, hive tool, bee brush—the basics.

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Feed & Treatments

Sugar syrup, pollen patties, and mite treatments. Don't skip mites.

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Critical: Varroa mites kill more colonies than anything else. Budget for treatments or expect to lose your bees.

Optional (But Smart)

Not required, but these make life easier.

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Your Estimate 🧮

Hive Equipment $550
Bees $450
Protective Gear $180
Tools $55
Feed & Treatments $85
Optional Add-ons $75
Total First Year $1,395
Per-Hive Cost
$697
💡 This is a solid middle-ground budget. Good quality gear without overspending.
Read the Full Cost Breakdown

💰 Ways to Save

  • • Buy unassembled hive kits (save 30-40%)
  • • Join a local club for mentorship + group orders
  • • Buy sugar in bulk (50lb bags)
  • • Catch a free swarm (but risky for beginners)

Ready to get started?

Now that you know the costs, learn what equipment you actually need and where to get the best deals.

Best Starter Kits Reviewed Full Cost Guide