Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Denver, CO vs Houston, TX

Denver, CO

$97,000 - $402,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Denver, CO Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,100 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 +1%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,100 - $87,900 $12,300 - $71,900 +22%
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
$29,500 - $118,000 $23,000 - $92,000 +28%
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)
$17,800 - $59,300 $14,500 - $48,300 +23%
Total Estimated Cost $97,000 - $402,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Denver Houston
Cost of Living Index 118.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.18 0.92
Sales Tax 8.81% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $18.29/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $300

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