Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Helena, MT vs Los Angeles, CA
Helena, MT
$77,000 - $311,000
COL Index: 98.5
VS
Los Angeles, CA
$117,000 - $487,000
COL Index: 166.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Helena, MT | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$2,000 - $15,000 | $4,000 - $15,000 | -11% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$5,900 - $34,200 | $22,500 - $131,300 | -74% |
|
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
|
$22,500 - $90,000 | $33,800 - $135,000 | -33% |
|
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)
|
$14,800 - $49,300 | $25,000 - $83,300 | -41% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $77,000 - $311,000 | $117,000 - $487,000 | -36% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Helena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 98.5 | 166.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $10 - $20 | $30 - $85 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.9 | 1.35 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 9.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr | $16.78/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $70 |
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