Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Des Moines, IA vs Houston, TX

Des Moines, IA

$41,000 - $268,000

COL Index: 90.2

VS

Houston, TX

$50,000 - $327,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Des Moines, IA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$12,400 - $86,700 $20,500 - $143,800 -40%
Equipment & Fixtures
$12,500 - $87,500 $12,500 - $87,500 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$6,800 - $31,600 $7,200 - $33,800 -6%
Total Estimated Cost $41,000 - $268,000 $50,000 - $327,000 -18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Des Moines Houston
Cost of Living Index 90.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $26 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.9 0.92
Sales Tax 7% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $300

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