How Much Does A Keg Cost?

Last Updated on April 1, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Whether you’re hosting a lively party or setting up your own draft system, buying or renting a keg is a fun way to enjoy fresh beer. But between sizes, brands, deposits, and accessories, keg pricing can get confusing.

This guide goes ver the costs for different types of kegs so you can make an informed decision. We’ll look at typical price ranges based on size, domestic vs. imported beer options, and additional equipment needed. You’ll also get price comparison tips, top places to buy or rent kegs, and advice for saving money.

How Much Does A Keg Cost?

The cost of a keg typically ranges from $50 to $150 for a used 5-gallon keg or $200 to $400 for a new full-size 15.5-gallon half barrel keg.

Pricing for different keg sizes varies based not just on volume, but also on factors like domestic vs. imported and craft vs. mass-produced. Here are typical base price ranges:

Keg Size	Typical New Keg Cost Range
5 L Mini Keg	$25 – $35
5 Gal Cornelius	$75 – $125
6th Barrel	$125 – $225
1/4 Barrel	$200 – $300
1/2 Barrel	$250 – $400

As you scale up in capacity, the per-beer serving cost goes down thanks to economy of scale. But also consider how fast you’ll realistically finish the keg based on your usage situation. Too much can go to waste.

Now let’s break down pricing a bit more by beer style and origin:

Domestic Mass-Produced Beers

Midwestern stalwarts like Budweiser, Miller, Coors, Pabst, and other major American breweries generally fall on the lower end of the full-size keg price spectrum thanks to mass production. For example, you could expect to pay:

• $175 for a Bud Light or Miller Lite quarter barrel
• $225 for a Coors Banquet half barrel

Of course, availability varies by geography. Craft-centric areas may have fewer macros in stock.

Major Imported Beers

Big name imports like Heineken, Stella Artois, Corona, Guinness, Beck’s, and Bass cost more than domestic equivalents, generally $75 to $100 extra per keg across full barrels and quarter barrels. But the authentic overseas taste may justify the premium for some beer lovers.

Craft and Microbrew Kegs

Smaller independent breweries like Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Stone, and hundreds more create amazing full-flavored beers, but in smaller batches that cost more per keg. Expect to pay $300 to $500+ for a quarter barrel of most craft microbrews. Their half barrels exceed $500 easily. But serious hop heads agree rich complex taste is worth the prices.

According to Liquor Laboratory, keg prices range from $20 to $255. They provide a breakdown by size, with mini kegs (1.3 gallons) costing around $20, while half barrels (15.5 gallons) average about $200. The price also varies by brand, with domestic beers like Coors Light costing around $100, while imported brands like Guinness can reach $250.

KegWorks reports that a typical half-barrel keg of domestic beer usually costs between $100 and $200. However, prices for craft or imported beers can range from $200 to $300 or more. They note that geographical location can impact pricing, with urban areas often having higher prices than rural locations.

For a more specific breakdown, Total Wine lists various keg options with their prices. For example, a 1/6 barrel (5.16 gallons) of Budweiser is priced at $89.99, while a 1/2 barrel (15.5 gallons) of Samuel Adams Boston Lager costs $199.99.

What Is a Keg and Why Buy One?

A keg is essentially a large container holding from 5 liters to 15.5 gallons of draft beer. Kegs keep beer fresh by preventing light exposure and minimizing oxygen contact.

Common reasons to get a keg include:

• Hosting parties or large gatherings
• Building a home draft setup
• Tapping interesting limited/local releases
• Celebrating special occasions like weddings
• Serving beer at bars or restaurants

Understanding keg pricing helps find the best value for different situations. Cost depends on size, brand, source, and extras.

Keg Sizes and Styles

Kegs come in a wide range of sizes to suit any situation, from personal mini fridges up to huge wedding dances. The overall capacity primarily determines the cost level. Common keg sizes include:

5-Liter Mini Kegs – Mini kegs hold right around 1.3 gallons or approximately 55 twelve-ounce beers. Given the smaller individual serving volume, mini kegs work perfectly for personal use in home fridges or tapping a growler-worth of small batch beer. Expect to spend $25 to $35 to buy common mini keg brands like Heineken, Stella Artois, Guinness, and more.

5-Gallon Cornelius Kegs – These mid-size kegs are often used for homebrewing. Cornelius kegs allow passionate homebrewers to serve fresh small-batch creations like IPAs, stouts, or lagers. When buying a used ball-lock or pin-lock Corny keg for your home setup, plan for costs ranging from $75 to $125 depending on condition, included parts like lids and posts, etc.

Sixth Barrel Kegs – 5.23 Gallons – At just over 5 gallons, sixth barrel kegs hold right around 82 twelve-ounce pours. This middle-ground size works perfectly for tapping at medium-sized gatherings like family reunions or office parties. You can expect to spend $125 to $225 to buy a new sixth barrel keg.

Quarter Barrel Kegs – 7.75 Gallons – Quarter barrel kegs bump up the volume to just shy of 8 gallons. This pours approximately 124 sixteen-ounce pints. Given the generous capacity, quarter barrels work extremely well for hosting lively events and house parties while keeping costs reasonable. Major domestic breweries like Budweiser, Miller, and Coors rely on quarter barrels. Buying a quarter barrel keg for personal use will cost you $200 to $300 or more depending on brand and availability.

Half Barrel Kegs – 15.5 Gallons – The king daddy of keg sizes, the full-size half barrel holds an immense 15.5 gallons of brew. That equates to a whopping 248 sixteen-ounce pints! Half barrels are ideal for large weddings, blowout birthday bashes, music festivals, and any big event with hundreds of thirsty guests. Buying your own half barrel keg costs $250 to $400 for mainstream beers from the big producers, while smaller craft brewery half barrels run $500+.

One-Time Use vs. Owning Your Keg

When it comes time to tap a keg for an event, party, or personal use, you have two main options – rent a keg short term or buy a keg outright to own. There are upsides and downsides to each approach.

Renting Kegs

This temporary “one and done” method works nicely for occasional needs like one-off parties or events. Benefits of renting include:

• Lower per-use costs – Rental fees of $75 to $125 per keg are less than full retail.
• Built-in deposit – Rental quotes include a refundable $50 to $100 keg deposit you recoup by returning on time.
• No storage needed – Avoid finding room to stock a keg fridge between events.

Potential drawbacks to renting are limited selection in your area and having to return promptly to avoid losing your deposit.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a bottle of Coke, a bottle of Cristal Champagne, or beer truck rental.

Buying Kegs

For home bars, man caves, or frequent entertaining, purchasing your own kegs outright makes sense. Advantages include:

• Wider selection – Choose from countless breweries and specialty releases beyond just macro beers.
• Multi-use over time – Tap throughout the year without recurring rental fees.
• Customization – Paint, engrave, or label your keg for personal flare.

Just remember buying requires a $200 to $400 upfront investment per keg, not counting accessories.

Either route comes with additional costs you should anticipate.

Additional Costs

Beyond the keg container itself, additional equipment, accessories, taxes, and fees contribute to your total taproom budget and cost per beer serving. Some common keg add-ons to consider include:

• Keg Tap Rental or Purchase – Essential for tapping your keg. Rentals run $25 to $50 per use. Or invest in a permanent tap setup or jockey box to own.
• CO2 Tank – Compressed CO2 gas is required to pressurize and dispense the beer. A 5 lb. aluminum CO2 tank costs $50 to $150. Refills run about $20.
• Jockey Box – Portable draft system to chill and tap a keg remotely. Expect to spend at least $100 to $200 for a compact jockey box setup with coil. Higher for full stand units.
• Keg Cooler – Essential for keeping your keg chilled to maximize freshness. New kegerators cost at least $500. Or convert a mini fridge for $50+.
• Cleaning Kit – Keg brushes, hoses, tubing cutters, and sanitizing solution will cost you $20+ for proper cleaning and maintenance. Don’t skip this!
• Keg Delivery Fees – Retailers may charge $10 to $50+ for same day keg delivery depending on time and distance.
• Sales Tax – Depending on state and city, plan on an extra 8% or more on the keg cost, equipment, etc.
• Permits or Licensing – Larger public events may require purchasing a special event alcohol permit, adding $100+ in fees.

Ask what’s included upfront with any keg rental quotes to avoid sticker shock from hidden surprise fees at pickup.

Where to Buy or Rent Kegs

You have several options for sourcing kegs:

Local Beer Distributors – Beer distributors offer the widest selection and best prices since they buy in volume. Search for “beer distributors near me” to find one. Expect to pay $75 to $125 in deposit fees upfront if renting.

Liquor Stores – Many liquor stores carry common beer keg brands. Pricing may run slightly higher than distributors but with easier in-store pickup.

Big Box Retailers – Major chains like Total Wine, BevMo and Costco sell select keg varieties. Great for one-stop shopping.

Breweries – Some craft breweries sell their own kegs. Call ahead for availability. Selection is limited but the freshest beer.

Online Delivery Services – Websites like TapRm facilitate online keg delivery in certain regions, starting around $50. Convenient but limited inventory.

Shop around to find the best supplier for your needs and budget.

Proper Keg Storage and Usage Tips

Maximize your investment with best practices for handling kegs:

• Store kegs cold at 36°F to 38°F to maintain freshness.
• Tap the keg as soon as possible, within 30 days of brewing.
• Use CO2 or a hand pump to avoid oxygenation.
• Clean lines and replace taps regularly.
• For a partially used keg, reconnect CO2 to re-pressurize.
• Rotate stock to use oldest kegs first if renting long term.

Proper refrigeration and dispensing maximize flavor and lifespan.

Kegs vs. Bottles and Cans

Wondering if a keg delivers better value than cases of bottled brew? Let’s break it down.

Keg Pricing Per Beer Serving

On average, full kegs break down to:

• Half Barrel Kegs – Around $0.30 per 12oz serving
• Quarter Barrel Kegs – Approximately $0.35 per 12oz serving

Of course, exact cost per ounce depends on keg size, specific brand, and retailer pricing in your area. But kegs offer seriously low per-serving costs at volume.

Case or Pack Pricing Per Beer

Now let’s look at packaging…

A case of 24 12oz bottles or cans costs approximately:

• Domestic lagers – $18 to $25 per case or about $0.75 to $1 per beer
• Imported beers – $25 to $35 per case or $1 to $1.50 per beer
• Craft beers – $35 per case at minimum, approaching $1.50 per beer

Buying bottles and cans by the pack at bars or other retailers equals $1 to $2+ per beer.

Clearly kegs offer significantly lower per-unit pricing thanks to large format volume discounts. Just avoid waste to maximize your ROI.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Keg

Use these strategies to keep costs down:

• Choose domestically brewed beer kegs rather than imported.
• Rent the tap and accessories instead of buying.
• Return the keg promptly and clean to get your deposit back.
• Buy during happy hours or promotions when prices are slashed.
• Use a keg calculator to only order the size you need.

With some savvy moves, you can throw a killer kegger on a budget!

Final Words

When it comes to enjoying fresh, cold draft beer from the comfort of home, kegs are an awesome investment that enhance any man cave, game room, or backyard bash when done affordably. While upfront keg costs can seem daunting, understanding sizing options, accurate pricing, and additional equipment needs based on your specific situation enables creating a draft oasis on almost any budget.

Utilize all the tips above to maximize savings potential through careful calculation, deals, buying used goods, and more. The lower per-serving costs compared to bottled beer make kegs economical when buying wisely and not over-purchasing. Keep an eye on waste to protect your investment.

Most importantly, don’t let initial sticker shock deter you. With smart planning and a little price hunting, virtually anyone can afford to keep cold homebrew, craft gems, or fresh domestics flowing for pennies per pint.

Answers to Common Questions

How long does a keg last?

An opened keg will stay fresh for 30 to 45 days when stored cold between 36°F to 38°F. Be sure to maintain CO2 pressure using a tank with at least 10 psi connected. This protects the beer from oxygen exposure. Drink up quicker for peak quality!

How long does a keg need to settle?

Let a new keg rest for 24 hours after delivery before tapping. This allows the contents to chill and lets sediment settle, resulting in clearer pours. Quick chilling in a freezer for a few hours helps for last-minute situations. Then bleed pressure and tap.

Do you save money with a keg?

Absolutely – kegs offer far lower per-ounce pricing. For example, a quarter barrel keg costs around $0.35 per 12-ounce beer compared to $0.50 to $1 from a case of bottles. Just avoid waste to maximize value from the large volume.