Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Modesto, CA vs Houston, TX

Modesto, CA

$116,000 - $1,660,000

COL Index: 106.8

VS

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Modesto, CA Houston, TX Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$34,800 - $834,800 $68,500 - $1,643,500 -49%
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
$4,400 - $35,200 $4,600 - $36,800 -4%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$21,400 - $160,200 $19,300 - $144,800 +11%
Total Estimated Cost $116,000 - $1,660,000 $147,000 - $2,455,000 -32%

Local Market Factors

Factor Modesto Houston
Cost of Living Index 106.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.88 0.92
Sales Tax 7.875% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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