Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Hilo, HI vs Houston, TX

Hilo, HI

$59,000 - $307,000

COL Index: 170.5

VS

Houston, TX

$51,000 - $267,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Hilo, HI Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,500 $1,900 - $6,200 +30%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,300 - $34,000 $6,800 - $37,000 -8%
Ice Cream Equipment & Fixtures
$20,000 - $100,000 $20,000 - $100,000 Same
Initial Ingredients & Supplies
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Design
$11,500 - $92,000 $9,200 - $73,600 +25%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$13,600 - $51,200 $7,700 - $29,000 +77%
Total Estimated Cost $59,000 - $307,000 $51,000 - $267,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Hilo Houston
Cost of Living Index 170.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $40 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.15 0.92
Sales Tax 4.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $14.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $300

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