Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Clara, CA vs Houston, TX

Santa Clara, CA

$229,000 - $4,051,000

COL Index: 188.2

VS

Houston, TX

$147,000 - $2,455,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Clara, CA Houston, TX Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$128,300 - $3,078,300 $68,500 - $1,643,500 +87%
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
$7,600 - $60,800 $4,600 - $36,800 +65%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$37,600 - $282,300 $19,300 - $144,800 +95%
Total Estimated Cost $229,000 - $4,051,000 $147,000 - $2,455,000 +64%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Clara Houston
Cost of Living Index 188.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $78 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.52 0.92
Sales Tax 9.375% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $17.75/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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