Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Baltimore, MD vs Houston, TX

Baltimore, MD

$88,000 - $360,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Baltimore, MD Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,000 - $63,900 $12,300 - $71,900 -11%
Bar Equipment & Fixtures
$15,000 - $60,000 $15,000 - $60,000 Same
Initial Liquor & Beverage Inventory
$8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$26,300 - $105,000 $23,000 - $92,000 +14%
Sound System & Security
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$4,000 - $12,000 $4,000 - $12,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$16,300 - $54,300 $14,500 - $48,300 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $88,000 - $360,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +3%

Local Market Factors

Factor Baltimore Houston
Cost of Living Index 108.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.05 0.92
Sales Tax 6% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $300

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