How much does a private chef cost per month?

Hiring a private chef isn’t just for celebrities or luxury travelers anymore, it’s becoming an increasingly popular option for busy households, health-conscious professionals, and food lovers who value convenience and quality.

If you’re considering bringing a chef into your home regularly, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much does a private chef cost per month?

The short answer is: it depends. Prices vary based on how often you want them to cook, the complexity of your menus, your location, and the chef’s experience. Let’s break down what you can expect, what’s included, and why the investment might be worth it.

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Typical cost of a private chef per month

For ongoing monthly service, you can expect between $2,500 and $10,000 per month for most households. This range covers weekly meal prep for a small family up to daily in-home cooking for larger households or those requesting more elaborate menus.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner at home, a dinner party in a trendy Chicago loft, or a rooftop party, your private chef will ensure the evening goes off without a hitch.

A few examples:

Weekly meal prep (1–2 visits per week): $2,500–$4,000/month
Full-time chef (5 days a week): $6,000–$8,000/month
Full service including weekends: $8,000–$10,000+/month

Why the range?

Frequency: more visits = more cost.
Menu complexity: multi-course plated dinners or specialty diets cost more than simple, family-style meals.
Location: large metro areas often have higher rates due to cost of living and demand.

So, for example, in a family of four in a mid-sized city, having a chef come three times a week to prepare dinners could cost around $3,500 per month, including groceries, cooking, and cleanup.

What’s included in the price of hiring a private chef monthly?

A monthly private chef service is more than just cooking. It’s a full-service culinary experience that usually includes:

Menu planning and customization: tailored menus based on your tastes, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients.
Grocery shopping: your chef sources fresh, high-quality ingredients for every meal.
On-site cooking: meals prepared in your own kitchen, fresh and ready when you need them.
Table service or setup: whether you want plated dinners or family-style spreads.
Cleanup: your kitchen is left spotless after every visit.
Optional add-ons: wine pairings, nutritional consultations, extra staff, or special event menus.

You may be interested in → Private Chef vs. Personal Chef: Understanding the Differences

What affects the cost of a private chef per month?

Several factors influence your monthly private chef costs, such as:

Number of meals and frequency: daily service costs more than weekly visits.
Occasion type: a chef who handles formal dinner parties will charge more than one focused solely on casual meal prep.
Ingredient quality: organic products, premium proteins like wagyu beef or lobster, and specialty imports raise costs.
Number of courses: simple entrées vs. multi-course tasting menus.
Location: expect higher rates in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco compared to smaller towns.
Chef’s experience: culinary school training, Michelin-star background, or specific cuisine expertise often command higher fees.
Extra services: servers, bartenders, mixologists, or decoration.

Is hiring a private chef worth it?

For many, the answer is yes, especially if you value time, health, and the joy of great food.

Having a private chef means you can skip the grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning, freeing up hours each week to spend on what really matters to you.

It’s also a way to enjoy restaurant-quality dining without leaving home. There’s no need to deal with noise, reservations, or traffic, just sit down and savor meals crafted specifically for you. Every menu is tailored to your preferences, whether that means keto, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, or simply kid-friendly dishes everyone will love.

A private chef also turns everyday meals into memorable experiences. Hosting friends or celebrating milestones becomes effortless, with all the planning and preparation handled for you. And when you compare the cost to dining out frequently at high-quality restaurants, monthly chef services can be surprisingly similar, offering even more value thanks to the personalization and convenience.

Real price examples from Take a Chef bookings

Private chef’s costs may vary depending on your guest count.

For groups of 13 or more, the average charge is 94 USD per person.

The monthly cost of a private chef depends on frequency, menu complexity, and your location, but with the right arrangement, it’s an investment in convenience, health, and memorable dining.

Whether you want weekly meal prep or full-time in-home service, Take a Chef makes it easy to find the right chef and enjoy exceptional food without the stress.