Bar Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

San Diego, CA

$113,000 - $467,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$4,000 - $17,700 $4,000 - $15,000 +14%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$20,200 - $117,600 $22,500 - $131,300 -10%
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 $33,800 - $135,000 -4%
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 $25,000 - $83,300 -4%
Total Estimated Cost $113,000 - $467,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 160.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.35
Sales Tax 7.75% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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