Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Houston, TX

Sunnyvale, CA

$128,000 - $531,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Houston, TX

$84,000 - $349,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$4,100 - $18,100 $2,000 - $15,000 +31%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$23,900 - $139,200 $12,300 - $71,900 +94%
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
$38,800 - $155,000 $23,000 - $92,000 +69%
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)
$28,900 - $96,300 $14,500 - $48,300 +99%
Total Estimated Cost $128,000 - $531,000 $84,000 - $349,000 +52%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Houston
Cost of Living Index 192.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.55 0.92
Sales Tax 9.375% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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