Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Charleston, WV vs Houston, TX

Charleston, WV

$101,000 - $1,410,000

COL Index: 80.4

VS

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Charleston, WV Houston, TX Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$26,100 - $626,100 $68,500 - $1,643,500 -62%
Kitchen Equipment & Technology
$30,000 - $500,000 $30,000 - $500,000 Same
Insurance Package
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Opening Inventory & Supplies
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Hiring & Training
$4,100 - $32,800 $4,600 - $36,800 -11%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$16,100 - $120,600 $19,300 - $144,800 -17%
Total Estimated Cost $101,000 - $1,410,000 $147,000 - $2,455,000 -42%

Local Market Factors

Factor Charleston Houston
Cost of Living Index 80.4 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $16 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.82 0.92
Sales Tax 7% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $8.75/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $300

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