Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Boston, MA vs New York, NY
Boston, MA
$117,000 - $494,000
COL Index: 152.4
VS
New York, NY
$133,000 - $560,000
COL Index: 187.2
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Boston, MA | New York, NY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$5,800 - $32,300 | $5,300 - $17,100 | +70% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$21,500 - $125,500 | $31,300 - $182,600 | -31% |
|
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
|
$34,500 - $138,000 | $36,300 - $145,000 | -5% |
|
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)
|
$22,900 - $76,200 | $28,100 - $93,600 | -19% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $117,000 - $494,000 | $133,000 - $560,000 | -12% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Boston | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 152.4 | 187.2 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $80 | $40 - $120 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.38 | 1.45 |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | 8.875% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.00/hr | $16.00/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $500 | $200 |
View Full Details
Ready to Start Your Bar?
Start your Bar LLC in — free registered agent for 1 year.
Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →Trusted by 500,000+ businesses · Excellent rating on Trustpilot