Bar Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

San Francisco, CA

$131,000 - $554,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$4,200 - $18,500 $4,000 - $15,000 +19%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$29,300 - $171,200 $22,500 - $131,300 +30%
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
$38,000 - $152,000 $33,800 - $135,000 +13%
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)
$27,000 - $89,900 $25,000 - $83,300 +8%
Total Estimated Cost $131,000 - $554,000 $117,000 - $487,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 179.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.35
Sales Tax 8.625% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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