Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison
Austin, TX vs Houston, TX
Austin, TX
$306,000 - $1,616,000
COL Index: 105.2
VS
Houston, TX
$283,000 - $1,493,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Austin, TX | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Licensing & DEA Registration
|
$5,000 - $20,000 | $5,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Retail Space & Build-Out
|
$83,700 - $502,200 | $68,500 - $410,900 | +22% |
|
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
|
$22,000 - $88,000 | $18,400 - $73,600 | +20% |
|
Marketing & Launch
|
$5,000 - $20,000 | $5,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$52,600 - $210,400 | $48,300 - $193,000 | +9% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $306,000 - $1,616,000 | $283,000 - $1,493,000 | +8% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Austin | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 105.2 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $22 - $55 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.1 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $300 | $300 |
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