Dental Practice Startup Cost Comparison
Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
$376,000 - $954,000
COL Index: 166.5
VS
Houston, TX
$301,000 - $752,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Los Angeles, CA | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Formation & Dental Licensing
|
$4,000 - $14,400 | $3,000 - $12,000 | +23% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$30,000 - $112,500 | $16,400 - $61,600 | +83% |
|
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
|
$81,000 - $202,500 | $55,200 - $138,000 | +47% |
|
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)
|
$83,300 - $199,800 | $48,300 - $115,800 | +73% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $376,000 - $954,000 | $301,000 - $752,000 | +26% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Los Angeles | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166.5 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $85 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.35 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $16.78/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $300 |
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