Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Houston, TX

Irvine, CA

$125,000 - $473,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Houston, TX

$95,000 - $370,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$58,700 - $234,800 $41,100 - $164,300 +43%
Equipment & Fixtures
$25,000 - $100,000 $25,000 - $100,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$26,800 - $71,400 $14,500 - $38,600 +85%
Total Estimated Cost $125,000 - $473,000 $95,000 - $370,000 +29%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Houston
Cost of Living Index 178.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.42 0.92
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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