Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

Pasadena, CA vs Houston, TX

Pasadena, CA

$70,000 - $255,000

COL Index: 152.3

VS

Houston, TX

$61,000 - $226,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Pasadena, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,300 - $14,300 $1,900 - $6,200 +117%
Food Truck Vehicle
$30,000 - $120,000 $30,000 - $120,000 Same
Kitchen Equipment
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Initial Food Inventory
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Commissary Kitchen (Annual)
$12,400 - $37,200 $8,200 - $24,700 +51%
Business & Vehicle Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $8,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Branding
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$7,600 - $22,800 $4,800 - $14,500 +58%
Total Estimated Cost $70,000 - $255,000 $61,000 - $226,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Pasadena Houston
Cost of Living Index 152.3 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.32 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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