Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Denver, CO vs Los Angeles, CA

Denver, CO

$97,000 - $402,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Denver, CO Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,100 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -10%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,100 - $87,900 $22,500 - $131,300 -33%
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 $33,800 - $135,000 -13%
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 $25,000 - $83,300 -29%
Total Estimated Cost $97,000 - $402,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -17%

Local Market Factors

Factor Denver Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 118.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.18 1.35
Sales Tax 8.81% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $18.29/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $70

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