You see exactly what
you pay. Always.
Cooks set their own rates based on their expertise. RoostMe adds a transparent service fee and applicable sales tax — nothing hidden, nothing surprise.
How Your Price Is Calculated
Cook's Rate
Each cook sets their own hourly rate based on their experience, cuisine, and skill level.
Time & Guests
Rate × hours booked. Ingredient costs scale with your guest count.
15% Platform Fee
RoostMe's service fee covers background checks, support, insurance, and secure payments.
Your State's Tax
Catering services are taxable in most states. We calculate the exact rate for your location.
Estimate Your Booking Cost
Adjust the sliders to see your real total — including all fees and tax.
Cook Experience Level
Elevated home cooking for special gatherings — cooks with specialty expertise and a flair for presentation.
Cook's Hourly Rate
$50/hrEach cook sets their own rate. Rates vary by experience, cuisine specialty, and demand.
Hours of Service
3 hrsNumber of Guests
4 guestsTravel Distance
5 miTravel charged at $2/mile
Your State (for tax calculation)
State + avg local
Include ingredient estimate
~$12/person (actual cost reimbursed with receipt)
Estimated Total
$64.14 per person · 4 guests · 3 hrs
This is an estimate. Your final price depends on the cook's actual rate, confirmed booking hours, exact travel distance, and itemized ingredient receipt.
Secure payments
No hidden fees
Satisfaction guaranteed
What Each Price Level Includes
Cooks set their own rates — here's a guide to what you can typically expect.
Everyday Comfort
Home-style meals made with love — think Grandma's recipes, neighborhood favorites, and weeknight comfort food.
Dinner Party
Elevated home cooking for special gatherings — cooks with specialty expertise and a flair for presentation.
Special Occasion
Chef-caliber cooking for life's biggest moments — anniversaries, proposals, milestone celebrations.
What the 15% Service Fee Covers
We charge a single transparent service fee. Here's exactly what it funds:
Cook Background Checks
Every cook on RoostMe goes through identity verification and background screening before their first booking.
Liability Insurance
All bookings are covered under RoostMe's liability policy, protecting both you and your cook.
Secure Payment Processing
Stripe-powered encrypted payments. Your card details are never stored on our servers.
24/7 Customer Support
Something go wrong? Our team is available around the clock to resolve issues and coordinate make-goods.
Quality Vetting
We review cook applications, sample menus, and credential checks before approving anyone on the platform.
Fraud Protection
Advanced fraud detection keeps your bookings and personal data safe at all times.
About Sales Tax
Personal chef and catering services are subject to sales tax in most US states. RoostMe collects and remits this tax on your behalf — you'll never need to worry about it.
No sales tax
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon
Low tax (0–5%)
Colorado (2.9%), Wyoming (4%), Alabama (4%), Hawaii (4%), New York (4%)
Standard tax (5–8%)
California (7.25%), Texas (6.25%), Florida (6%), Illinois (6.25%), most other states
Tax rates shown are approximate. Exact rates may vary by city and county. RoostMe uses your confirmed address to calculate the precise amount at checkout.
Are You a Cook? You Set Your Price.
Your rate is yours. Set it based on your experience, the complexity of your menus, and what feels right. RoostMe adds our fee on top — your earnings are always what you set.
You earn
$50/hr
Cook sets rate = $50/hr
Customer pays
$57.50/hr
$50 + 15% platform fee
You keep
100%
Of your set rate, always
Pricing FAQs
When am I actually charged?
You're not charged until you confirm a booking. The estimate you see in the calculator is just that — an estimate. Your card is only charged once you confirm the booking details and the cook accepts.
What if the cook's ingredients cost more than estimated?
The ingredient estimate ($12/person) is a rough guide. Your cook will provide an itemized receipt for actual ingredient costs, which you reimburse at the end of the booking. The platform fee and tax are calculated on the pre-ingredient subtotal.
Is the 15% service fee charged on ingredients and travel too?
Yes — the platform fee is calculated on the combined total of cook's labor, travel, and ingredient reimbursement. This covers the full cost of running a safe, reliable marketplace.
What if I'm in a state with no sales tax?
If you're in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, or Oregon, no sales tax is added to your booking. The calculator automatically reflects this — you'll see $0 in the tax line.
Can a cook raise their rate after I book?
No. Once a booking is confirmed, the cook's rate is locked in. You'll always pay exactly what was shown at confirmation.
Do cooks see my full address before I confirm?
No. Cooks only see your general neighborhood for travel distance estimation until you confirm the booking. Your full address is only shared after both parties confirm.
Ready to book a home cook?
Browse real cooks in your area and get an exact price before you commit.