Bakery Startup Cost Comparison

Charleston, SC vs Houston, TX

Charleston, SC

$57,000 - $246,000

COL Index: 110.8

VS

Houston, TX

$54,000 - $235,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Charleston, SC Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,300 $1,900 - $6,200 -5%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,600 - $37,800 $8,200 - $41,100 -8%
Baking Equipment & Fixtures
$15,000 - $75,000 $15,000 - $75,000 Same
Initial Ingredients & Packaging
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Kitchen Renovation
$15,900 - $68,900 $13,800 - $59,800 +15%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$1,500 - $7,000 $1,500 - $7,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$11,100 - $38,800 $9,700 - $33,800 +15%
Total Estimated Cost $57,000 - $246,000 $54,000 - $235,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Charleston Houston
Cost of Living Index 110.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $40 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.06 0.92
Sales Tax 9% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $110 $300

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