Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Torrance, CA vs Houston, TX

Torrance, CA

$62,000 - $328,000

COL Index: 145.7

VS

Houston, TX

$51,000 - $267,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Torrance, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,200 - $12,000 $1,900 - $6,200 +88%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,100 - $49,300 $6,800 - $37,000 +33%
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
$12,800 - $102,400 $9,200 - $73,600 +39%
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)
$11,700 - $43,700 $7,700 - $29,000 +51%
Total Estimated Cost $62,000 - $328,000 $51,000 - $267,000 +23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Torrance Houston
Cost of Living Index 145.7 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $26 - $58 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.28 0.92
Sales Tax 10% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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