Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Seattle, WA

$66,000 - $429,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Houston, TX

$50,000 - $327,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$32,600 - $228,300 $20,500 - $143,800 +59%
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)
$11,000 - $51,500 $7,200 - $33,800 +52%
Total Estimated Cost $66,000 - $429,000 $50,000 - $327,000 +31%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Houston
Cost of Living Index 147.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.4 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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