Bar Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs Houston, TX

San Diego, CA

$113,000 - $467,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$4,000 - $17,700 $2,000 - $15,000 +28%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$20,200 - $117,600 $12,300 - $71,900 +64%
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
$32,500 - $130,000 $23,000 - $92,000 +41%
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)
$24,000 - $80,100 $14,500 - $48,300 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $113,000 - $467,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +34%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego Houston
Cost of Living Index 160.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.3 0.92
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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