Sober Curious Budget Calculator
Every sobriety savings tool wants an email address first. This is just the maths. Enter what you typically spend on drinks and see what staying alcohol-free actually saves you. Nothing uploaded.
Your Savings
Alcohol spending patterns and savings potential
How much does typical drinking actually cost?
A single drink at a bar runs between 6 and 15 dollars depending on location and venue. A beer at a restaurant is usually 6-9 dollars. A cocktail is 10-18 dollars. Wine by the glass is 9-15 dollars. Multiplying that by typical consumption - say 10 drinks per week at an average of 8 dollars each - comes to 80 dollars a week, or about 4,160 dollars per year. For context, that's a plane ticket, a new laptop, or a month's rent in many places. People often don't realize these costs because they're spread across many small transactions. This calculator shows the annual total so you can decide if the savings goal is worth the effort.
Why savings goals work
Quantifying what you spend makes the choice tangible. Instead of "not drinking" being an abstract goal, you reframe it as "I'm saving for a weekend trip" or "I'm funding my savings account." Researchers on behavior change find that pairing a sacrifice with a specific, desirable outcome increases follow-through. The calculator lets you name what you're saving for - whether it's a vacation, a gadget, or just a number that represents freedom and choice. Visible progress (watching weeks accumulate) is a powerful motivator.
FAQ
Should I count drinks at home differently from bar drinks?
Yes. A drink you pour at home might cost 1-3 dollars (if you buy a bottle and divide by servings). A bar drink costs 2-5 times more because of venue markup, staff, and atmosphere. If you mostly drink at home, enter a lower price per drink. If you're mostly at bars or restaurants, the numbers here will be pretty accurate.
What counts as "one drink"?
A standard drink is 12 oz of beer (5% ABV), 5 oz of wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz of spirits (40% ABV). So a pint (16 oz) is more than one standard drink. A large glass of wine might be 1.5-2 drinks. If you drink craft beers or cocktails, count them generously - you might be drinking more than you think.
Is this calculator saying I have a drinking problem?
No. "Sober curious" just means exploring what life looks like without alcohol, whether that's permanent, temporary, or just weekdays off. Some people do this for health, some for budget, some out of curiosity. The calculator is neutral - it just shows the maths. Whether you keep drinking, cut back, or quit entirely is your call.