Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Raleigh, NC vs Los Angeles, CA

Raleigh, NC

$86,000 - $353,000

COL Index: 100.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Raleigh, NC Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -11%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,000 - $63,900 $22,500 - $131,300 -51%
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
$25,500 - $102,000 $33,800 - $135,000 -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)
$15,100 - $50,400 $25,000 - $83,300 -40%
Total Estimated Cost $86,000 - $353,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Raleigh Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 100.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.35
Sales Tax 7.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $70

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