Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Buffalo, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

Buffalo, NY

$77,000 - $310,000

COL Index: 88.4

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Buffalo, NY Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,400 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -8%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,300 - $36,500 $22,500 - $131,300 -72%
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 $33,800 - $135,000 -32%
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 $25,000 - $83,300 -47%
Total Estimated Cost $77,000 - $310,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -36%

Local Market Factors

Factor Buffalo Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 88.4 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.35
Sales Tax 8% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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