Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Denver, CO vs Houston, TX

Denver, CO

$315,000 - $1,649,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Denver, CO 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
$23,600 - $94,400 $18,400 - $73,600 +28%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$59,300 - $237,000 $48,300 - $193,000 +23%
Total Estimated Cost $315,000 - $1,649,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Denver Houston
Cost of Living Index 118.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.18 0.92
Sales Tax 8.81% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $18.29/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $300

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