Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Miami, FL vs Houston, TX

Miami, FL

$59,000 - $308,000

COL Index: 128.3

VS

Houston, TX

$51,000 - $267,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Miami, FL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,600 - $9,500 $1,900 - $6,200 +49%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,800 - $52,800 $6,800 - $37,000 +43%
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
$10,800 - $86,400 $9,200 - $73,600 +17%
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)
$10,300 - $38,500 $7,700 - $29,000 +33%
Total Estimated Cost $59,000 - $308,000 $51,000 - $267,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Miami Houston
Cost of Living Index 128.3 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.08 0.92
Sales Tax 7% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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