Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Washington, DC vs Houston, TX

Washington, DC

$134,000 - $514,000

COL Index: 148.7

VS

Houston, TX

$95,000 - $370,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Washington, DC Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$71,700 - $287,000 $41,100 - $164,300 +75%
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)
$22,300 - $59,500 $14,500 - $38,600 +54%
Total Estimated Cost $134,000 - $514,000 $95,000 - $370,000 +39%

Local Market Factors

Factor Washington Houston
Cost of Living Index 148.7 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.42 0.92
Sales Tax 6% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $17.50/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $300

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