Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

San Jose, CA vs Houston, TX

San Jose, CA

$78,000 - $511,000

COL Index: 185.5

VS

Houston, TX

$50,000 - $327,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Jose, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$42,400 - $296,700 $20,500 - $143,800 +106%
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)
$13,900 - $64,900 $7,200 - $33,800 +92%
Total Estimated Cost $78,000 - $511,000 $50,000 - $327,000 +56%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Jose Houston
Cost of Living Index 185.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $95 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.55 0.92
Sales Tax 9.375% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $17.55/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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