Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Portland, ME vs Houston, TX

Portland, ME

$421,000 - $2,658,000

COL Index: 114.2

VS

Houston, TX

$440,000 - $2,842,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Portland, ME Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$104,300 - $834,800 $137,000 - $1,095,700 -24%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$31,200 - $208,000 $27,600 - $184,000 +13%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Marketing & League Development
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (6 Months)
$68,500 - $342,600 $57,900 - $289,500 +18%
Total Estimated Cost $421,000 - $2,658,000 $440,000 - $2,842,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Portland Houston
Cost of Living Index 114.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.04 0.92
Sales Tax 5.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $14.15/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $175 $300

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