Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Houston, TX vs San Francisco, CA

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

VS

San Francisco, CA

$262,000 - $4,874,000

COL Index: 179.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Houston, TX San Francisco, CA Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$68,500 - $1,643,500 $163,000 - $3,913,000 -58%
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
$4,600 - $36,800 $7,600 - $60,800 -39%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$19,300 - $144,800 $36,000 - $269,700 -46%
Total Estimated Cost $147,000 - $2,455,000 $262,000 - $4,874,000 -49%

Local Market Factors

Factor Houston San Francisco
Cost of Living Index 96.5 179.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $45 $40 - $110
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.52
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.625%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $18.67/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $70

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