Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX
Chicago, IL
$100,000 - $409,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Houston, TX
$84,000 - $349,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$5,600 - $15,000 | $2,000 - $15,000 | +21% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$17,600 - $102,700 | $12,300 - $71,900 | +43% |
|
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
|
$28,800 - $115,000 | $23,000 - $92,000 | +25% |
|
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)
|
$16,200 - $53,900 | $14,500 - $48,300 | +12% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $100,000 - $409,000 | $84,000 - $349,000 | +18% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $300 |
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