Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison
Charleston, WV vs Houston, TX
Charleston, WV
$21,000 - $113,000
COL Index: 80.4
VS
Houston, TX
$26,000 - $134,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charleston, WV | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$700 - $3,800 | $1,900 - $6,200 | -44% |
|
Commercial Kitchen Access
|
$1,600 - $9,400 | $4,100 - $24,700 | -62% |
|
Catering Equipment & Supplies
|
$5,000 - $30,000 | $5,000 - $30,000 | Same |
|
Delivery Vehicle
|
$5,000 - $35,000 | $5,000 - $35,000 | Same |
|
Initial Food & Supply Inventory
|
$1,500 - $5,000 | $1,500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$2,000 - $6,000 | $2,000 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Branding
|
$1,500 - $8,000 | $1,500 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$4,000 - $16,100 | $4,800 - $19,300 | -17% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $21,000 - $113,000 | $26,000 - $134,000 | -16% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charleston | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 80.4 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $8 - $16 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.82 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 7% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $8.75/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $100 | $300 |
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