Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Newark, NJ vs Houston, TX

Newark, NJ

$99,000 - $407,000

COL Index: 115.2

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Newark, NJ Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$10,600 - $51,700 $2,000 - $15,000 +266%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$10,600 - $61,600 $12,300 - $71,900 -14%
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)
$17,300 - $57,600 $14,500 - $48,300 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $99,000 - $407,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +17%

Local Market Factors

Factor Newark Houston
Cost of Living Index 115.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.14 0.92
Sales Tax 6.625% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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