Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

Seattle, WA

$112,000 - $465,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$117,000 - $487,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,800 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -6%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$19,600 - $114,100 $22,500 - $131,300 -13%
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
$35,000 - $140,000 $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)
$22,100 - $73,600 $25,000 - $83,300 -12%
Total Estimated Cost $112,000 - $465,000 $117,000 - $487,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 147.1 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.35
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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