Meal Prep Business Startup Cost Comparison

Corona, CA vs Houston, TX

Corona, CA

$17,000 - $85,000

COL Index: 112.5

VS

Houston, TX

$18,000 - $86,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Corona, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,500 - $9,500 $1,900 - $6,200 +48%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$2,600 - $13,000 $4,100 - $20,500 -37%
Kitchen Equipment & Supplies
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Initial Food Inventory
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Packaging & Labeling
$800 - $4,000 $800 - $4,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Customer Acquisition
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$4,500 - $20,300 $3,900 - $17,400 +16%
Total Estimated Cost $17,000 - $85,000 $18,000 - $86,000 -2%

Local Market Factors

Factor Corona Houston
Cost of Living Index 112.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $26 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.02 0.92
Sales Tax 8.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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