Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Houston, TX

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$94,000 - $391,000

COL Index: 120.4

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fort Lauderdale, FL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$13,700 - $79,900 $12,300 - $71,900 +11%
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
$28,500 - $114,000 $23,000 - $92,000 +24%
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)
$18,100 - $60,200 $14,500 - $48,300 +25%
Total Estimated Cost $94,000 - $391,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fort Lauderdale Houston
Cost of Living Index 120.4 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $48 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.14 0.92
Sales Tax 7% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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