Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs New York, NY

Irvine, CA

$115,000 - $471,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

New York, NY

$133,000 - $560,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,800 - $15,000 $5,300 - $17,100 -21%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$17,600 - $102,700 $31,300 - $182,600 -44%
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
$35,500 - $142,000 $36,300 - $145,000 -2%
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)
$26,800 - $89,300 $28,100 - $93,600 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $115,000 - $471,000 $133,000 - $560,000 -15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine New York
Cost of Living Index 178.5 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.45
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $200

Ready to Start Your Bar?

Start your Bar LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee