Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Washington, DC vs Houston, TX
Washington, DC
$115,000 - $479,000
COL Index: 148.7
VS
Houston, TX
$84,000 - $349,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Washington, DC | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$3,800 - $15,000 | $2,000 - $15,000 | +11% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$21,500 - $125,500 | $12,300 - $71,900 | +75% |
|
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
|
$35,500 - $142,000 | $23,000 - $92,000 | +54% |
|
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)
|
$22,300 - $74,400 | $14,500 - $48,300 | +54% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $115,000 - $479,000 | $84,000 - $349,000 | +37% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Washington | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 148.7 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $80 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.42 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 6% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $17.50/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $99 | $300 |
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