Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Dayton, OH vs Houston, TX

Dayton, OH

$22,000 - $114,000

COL Index: 84.5

VS

Houston, TX

$26,000 - $134,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Dayton, OH Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,300 $1,900 - $6,200 -51%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$1,700 - $10,200 $4,100 - $24,700 -59%
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)
$4,200 - $16,900 $4,800 - $19,300 -12%
Total Estimated Cost $22,000 - $114,000 $26,000 - $134,000 -15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Dayton Houston
Cost of Living Index 84.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $18 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.84 0.92
Sales Tax 7.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $10.45/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $300

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