Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Houston, TX

Irvine, CA

$196,000 - $3,302,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Houston, TX Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$97,800 - $2,347,800 $68,500 - $1,643,500 +43%
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
$7,100 - $56,800 $4,600 - $36,800 +54%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$35,700 - $267,800 $19,300 - $144,800 +85%
Total Estimated Cost $196,000 - $3,302,000 $147,000 - $2,455,000 +34%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Houston
Cost of Living Index 178.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.42 0.92
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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