Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX

Los Angeles, CA

$220,000 - $3,934,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$125,000 - $3,000,000 $68,500 - $1,643,500 +83%
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
$6,800 - $54,000 $4,600 - $36,800 +47%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$33,300 - $249,800 $19,300 - $144,800 +73%
Total Estimated Cost $220,000 - $3,934,000 $147,000 - $2,455,000 +60%

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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