Ghost Kitchen Startup Cost Comparison

Austin, TX vs Los Angeles, CA

Austin, TX

$25,000 - $123,000

COL Index: 105.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$32,000 - $154,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Austin, TX Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$10,000 - $50,200 $15,000 - $75,000 -33%
Equipment & Fixtures
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,200 - $10,500 $5,000 - $16,700 -37%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $123,000 $32,000 - $154,000 -20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Austin Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 105.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.1 1.35
Sales Tax 8.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $70

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