Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Newark, NJ vs Houston, TX

Newark, NJ

$92,000 - $354,000

COL Index: 115.2

VS

Houston, TX

$95,000 - $370,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Newark, NJ Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$35,200 - $140,900 $41,100 - $164,300 -14%
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)
$17,300 - $46,100 $14,500 - $38,600 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $92,000 - $354,000 $95,000 - $370,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Newark Houston
Cost of Living Index 115.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.14 0.92
Sales Tax 6.625% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

Ready to Start Your Liquor Store?

Start your Liquor Store LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee