Alcohol Cost Calculator
Enter how many drinks you have per week and the average price to see your total spending and potential savings.
Your Weekly Drinks
Your Spending
Potential Savings
If you drank 50% less, you'd save $0 per year.
Instead you could buy...
- 0 Netflix months
- 0 gym months
- 0 weekend trips
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average person spend on alcohol per year?
In the US, the average adult spends around $600–$700 per year on alcohol, though heavy drinkers can spend $3,000–$10,000 or more. Bar-goers typically spend 3–5x more than those who drink at home, since a $6 pint at a bar could cost under $1 to pour at home.
How can I cut my drinking costs without quitting entirely?
Switching from bars to home drinking is the single biggest lever. Other strategies include buying in bulk, choosing house wine instead of cocktails, setting a weekly budget, and having at least 2–3 alcohol-free days per week.
Does buying alcohol at a store save money compared to bars?
Yes, significantly. A beer at a bar or restaurant typically costs 3–6x the retail price of the same product at a supermarket. A bottle of wine that costs $12 in a store might be $40–$50 at a restaurant.
What are the hidden health costs of heavy drinking?
Beyond the direct cost of drinks, heavy drinking leads to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, higher insurance premiums, and reduced earning potential. Studies suggest the total economic burden of heavy drinking per person can be 3–5x the actual drink spend.
How much could I save in a year by quitting drinking?
If you drink 10 drinks per week at an average of $7 each, you'd save $3,640 per year. Many people who quit drinking report saving enough within 6–12 months for a significant holiday, a new appliance, or an emergency fund.