Dental Practice Startup Cost Comparison
Charleston, SC vs Los Angeles, CA
Charleston, SC
$315,000 - $786,000
COL Index: 110.8
VS
Los Angeles, CA
$376,000 - $954,000
COL Index: 166.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charleston, SC | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Formation & Dental Licensing
|
$3,000 - $12,000 | $4,000 - $14,400 | -18% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$15,100 - $56,700 | $30,000 - $112,500 | -50% |
|
Dental Equipment & Technology
|
$150,000 - $350,000 | $150,000 - $350,000 | Same |
|
Dental Supplies & Materials
|
$10,000 - $30,000 | $10,000 - $30,000 | Same |
|
Dental Office Build-Out
|
$63,600 - $159,000 | $81,000 - $202,500 | -21% |
|
Malpractice & Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$8,000 - $20,000 | $8,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Patient Acquisition
|
$10,000 - $25,000 | $10,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
|
$55,400 - $133,000 | $83,300 - $199,800 | -33% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $315,000 - $786,000 | $376,000 - $954,000 | -17% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charleston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 110.8 | 166.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $18 - $40 | $30 - $85 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.06 | 1.35 |
| Sales Tax | 9% | 9.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $16.78/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $110 | $70 |
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