How Much Does Catering Cost in California? (2026 Pricing Guide)
February 22, 2026 · 8 min read · BayCater Editors
Real per-person pricing for corporate, wedding, and event catering across the Bay Area — what's normal and what's a red flag.
California catering pricing varies more by service style than by cuisine. Here's the 2026 reality, based on real quotes pulled through BayCater Connect across 2,000+ events.
Drop-off office lunch: $14–22 per person. Includes disposable serviceware. Most common for teams of 10–60.
Buffet with light staffing: $25–45 per person. Includes setup, basic chafers, and a single attendant.
Plated dinner with full service: $65–135+ per person. Includes service staff, rentals coordination, and bar coordination.
Red flags: anyone quoting under $10/person for a wedding, no written contract, or refusing a tasting for events over 75 guests.