Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Seattle, WA

$82,000 - $1,364,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Houston, TX

$63,000 - $1,078,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,800 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 +5%
Manufacturing Space
$21,700 - $434,800 $13,700 - $273,900 +59%
Manufacturing Equipment
$15,000 - $400,000 $15,000 - $400,000 Same
Initial Raw Materials
$5,000 - $100,000 $5,000 - $100,000 Same
Insurance & Compliance
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Production Staff & Training
$7,000 - $70,000 $4,600 - $46,000 +52%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$22,100 - $294,200 $14,500 - $193,000 +52%
Total Estimated Cost $82,000 - $1,364,000 $63,000 - $1,078,000 +27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Houston
Cost of Living Index 147.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.4 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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