Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Buffalo, NY vs Houston, TX

Buffalo, NY

$77,000 - $310,000

COL Index: 88.4

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Buffalo, NY Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,400 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 +2%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,300 - $36,500 $12,300 - $71,900 -49%
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
$23,000 - $92,000 $23,000 - $92,000 Same
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)
$13,300 - $44,200 $14,500 - $48,300 -8%
Total Estimated Cost $77,000 - $310,000 $84,000 - $349,000 -11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Buffalo Houston
Cost of Living Index 88.4 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.92 0.92
Sales Tax 8% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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