Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Minneapolis, MN vs Houston, TX

Minneapolis, MN

$53,000 - $284,000

COL Index: 109.5

VS

Houston, TX

$51,000 - $267,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Minneapolis, MN Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,300 $1,900 - $6,200 -5%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,800 - $37,000 $6,800 - $37,000 Same
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)
$8,800 - $32,900 $7,700 - $29,000 +14%
Total Estimated Cost $53,000 - $284,000 $51,000 - $267,000 +6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Minneapolis Houston
Cost of Living Index 109.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $45 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.08 0.92
Sales Tax 8.025% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.57/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $300

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