Bar Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY

$133,000 - $560,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$5,300 - $17,100 $4,000 - $15,000 +18%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$31,300 - $182,600 $22,500 - $131,300 +39%
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
$36,300 - $145,000 $33,800 - $135,000 +7%
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)
$28,100 - $93,600 $25,000 - $83,300 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $133,000 - $560,000 $117,000 - $487,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 187.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.35
Sales Tax 8.875% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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