Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Houston, TX

San Francisco, CA

$47,000 - $293,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Houston, TX

$28,000 - $170,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,200 - $18,500 $1,900 - $6,200 +180%
Land Lease or Property
$16,300 - $130,400 $6,800 - $54,800 +138%
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$7,600 - $45,600 $4,600 - $27,600 +65%
Irrigation System
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Equipment & Supplies
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Marketing & Signage
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$9,000 - $36,000 $4,800 - $19,300 +87%
Total Estimated Cost $47,000 - $293,000 $28,000 - $170,000 +72%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Houston
Cost of Living Index 179.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.52 0.92
Sales Tax 8.625% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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