Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Arlington, VA vs Houston, TX

Arlington, VA

$348,000 - $1,809,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Arlington, VA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Retail Space & Build-Out
$97,800 - $587,000 $68,500 - $410,900 +43%
Initial Inventory
$100,000 - $600,000 $100,000 - $600,000 Same
Pharmacy Equipment & Technology
$30,000 - $150,000 $30,000 - $150,000 Same
Insurance & Bonding
$8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000 Same
Initial Staffing & Training
$27,600 - $110,400 $18,400 - $73,600 +50%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$74,100 - $296,400 $48,300 - $193,000 +54%
Total Estimated Cost $348,000 - $1,809,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +21%

Local Market Factors

Factor Arlington Houston
Cost of Living Index 148.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.38 0.92
Sales Tax 6% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $300

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