Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Billings, MT vs Los Angeles, CA

Billings, MT

$78,000 - $313,000

COL Index: 98.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Billings, MT Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -11%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,700 - $38,800 $22,500 - $131,300 -70%
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
$22,000 - $88,000 $33,800 - $135,000 -35%
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)
$14,800 - $49,300 $25,000 - $83,300 -41%
Total Estimated Cost $78,000 - $313,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -35%

Local Market Factors

Factor Billings Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 98.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $24 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 0.88 1.35
Sales Tax 0% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $10.30/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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