Dental Practice Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX
Chicago, IL
$330,000 - $827,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Houston, TX
$301,000 - $752,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Formation & Dental Licensing
|
$5,600 - $12,000 | $3,000 - $12,000 | +17% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$23,500 - $88,000 | $16,400 - $61,600 | +43% |
|
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
|
$69,000 - $172,500 | $55,200 - $138,000 | +25% |
|
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)
|
$53,900 - $129,400 | $48,300 - $115,800 | +12% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $330,000 - $827,000 | $301,000 - $752,000 | +10% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $300 |
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