Grocery Store Startup Cost Comparison

El Paso, TX vs Houston, TX

El Paso, TX

$89,000 - $1,138,000

COL Index: 86.2

VS

Houston, TX

$110,000 - $1,469,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense El Paso, TX Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Permits
$1,800 - $10,000 $1,900 - $10,000 -1%
Store Lease & Build-Out
$22,800 - $380,400 $41,100 - $684,800 -44%
Refrigeration & Store Equipment
$20,000 - $300,000 $20,000 - $300,000 Same
Initial Inventory
$15,000 - $200,000 $15,000 - $200,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Initial Staffing
$4,000 - $40,000 $4,600 - $46,000 -13%
Marketing & Grand Opening
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$17,200 - $172,400 $19,300 - $193,000 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $89,000 - $1,138,000 $110,000 - $1,469,000 -22%

Local Market Factors

Factor El Paso Houston
Cost of Living Index 86.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $25 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.8 0.92
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $300

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