Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX

Los Angeles, CA

$83,000 - $332,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Houston, TX

$61,000 - $239,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $1,900 - $6,200 +127%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,000 - $75,000 $8,200 - $41,100 +83%
Espresso Machines & Equipment
$20,000 - $80,000 $20,000 - $80,000 Same
Initial Coffee & Food Inventory
$3,000 - $8,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$20,300 - $81,000 $13,800 - $55,200 +47%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $7,000 $2,000 - $7,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$16,700 - $58,300 $9,700 - $33,800 +72%
Total Estimated Cost $83,000 - $332,000 $61,000 - $239,000 +38%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles Houston
Cost of Living Index 166.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.35 0.92
Sales Tax 9.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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