# How much do digital menu boards cost?

> Digital menu board cost is one of the first questions restaurant and café owners ask when they start exploring digital signage. The range is wide from under $500 for a single DIY setup to $20,000 or more for a full commercial installation across multiple locations. Where you land depends on the hardware you choose, the software you use, and whether you handle installation yourself. This guide breaks down each cost component so you can build an accurate budget.

Source: https://signagespace.com/blog/digital-menu-board-cost/

By SignageSpace · 2026-06-27

Digital menu board cost is one of the first questions restaurant and café owners ask when they start exploring [digital signage](https://signagespace.com/what-is-digital-signage/). The range is wide from under $500 for a single [DIY setup](https://signagespace.com/blog/diy-digital-signage/) to $20,000 or more for a full commercial installation across multiple locations. Where you land depends on the hardware you choose, the software you use, and whether you handle installation yourself. This guide breaks down each cost component so you can build an accurate budget.

For a practical first step, see:[How to Use a TV as a Digital Menu Board](https://signagespace.com/blog/how-to-use-a-tv-as-a-menu-board/).

[Watch the video](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/eZmcyR3gb8w?rel=1)

## Hardware costs

Hardware is typically the largest upfront expense. Here is what to budget for:

[Display screens](https://signagespace.com/blog/what-is-a-digital-signage-display/): Consumer TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) in the 43–65 inch range cost $300 to $700 each. Commercial-grade displays designed for 24/7 operation and higher brightness cost $600 to $2,000+ per screen. For most small restaurants, a consumer TV is sufficient. Commercial displays make sense for high-brightness environments like drive-thrus or window-facing placements.

[Media players](https://signagespace.com/blog/what-is-a-digital-signage-player/): The device that runs your signage software can be an Android TV stick ($30–$80), an Android mini PC ($80–$200), or a dedicated commercial media player ($150–$500). Most small operators use Android sticks effectively. For multi-screen deployments with reliability requirements, commercial players are worth the premium.

**Mounts and enclosures:**Standard wall mounts cost $25 to $75 per screen. Ceiling mounts for overhead installation run $50 to $150. Outdoor enclosures for drive-thru screens add $200 to $800 per unit.

**Cables and accessories:** HDMI cables, surge protectors, and cable management supplies typically add $30 to $100 per screen.

## Software costs

Software is where long-term costs live. Most digital menu board platforms charge a monthly or annual subscription fee per screen.

**Free plans:**SignageSpace offers a free plan that covers one screen with basic display features. This is a legitimate starting point for single-location restaurants and cafés.

**👉 Start for free at:**[https://signagespace.com](https://signagespace.com)

**Paid plans:** Most platforms charge $10 to $30 per screen per month for plans that include scheduling, multi-screen management, template libraries, and remote updates. At $20/month, a 3-screen setup costs $60/month or $720/year.

**Enterprise pricing:** Large chains with 50+ screens typically negotiate custom contracts. These range from $5 to $15 per screen per month with dedicated support, SLA guarantees, and advanced integrations.

## Installation costs

If you are comfortable with basic DIY tasks, you can mount screens and set up media players yourself. This saves $100 to $400 per screen in labor. If the installation is complex, cabling behind walls, ceiling mounts in high spaces, network setup, professional installation makes sense. AV installers typically charge $75 to $150 per hour.

Budget $150 to $350 per screen for professional installation in a standard restaurant environment.

## Total cost scenarios

**DIY single-screen setup:**$350–$500 (consumer TV + Android stick + free software + basic mount)

**Professional single-screen setup:** $800–$1,500 (commercial TV + media player + professional installation + first year of paid software)

**3-screen restaurant setup (DIY):** $1,200–$2,000 (3 consumer TVs + 3 Android sticks + mounts + 1 year of paid software at $20/screen/month)

**Drive-thru multi-screen commercial installation:** $5,000–$15,000+ (outdoor-rated commercial displays + commercial media players + professional installation + cabling + software)

## Hidden costs to plan for

Beyond the obvious hardware and software, a few additional costs catch operators off guard:

**Content design:** If you hire a designer to create menu templates, expect to pay $200–$800 per template set. DIY using the platform's built-in templates is free.

**Electricity:**An additional TV running 12–16 hours a day adds roughly $5–$15/month to your electricity bill per screen.

**Internet:** Reliable internet is essential. If your existing connection is unstable, upgrading to a business-grade plan adds $30–$80/month.

## Is it worth the cost?

Digital menu boards pay for themselves through reduced printing costs, increased average ticket size from better upselling, and time saved on menu management. Most restaurants break even on the investment within 12 to 18 months. For more on the ROI case, see: [Digital Signage for Restaurants: Menu Boards, Specials & Setup](https://signagespace.com/blog/digital-signage-restaurants/).