Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Newark, NJ vs Houston, TX

Newark, NJ

$293,000 - $1,521,000

COL Index: 115.2

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Newark, NJ Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$10,600 - $51,700 $5,000 - $20,000 +149%
Retail Space & Build-Out
$58,700 - $352,200 $68,500 - $410,900 -14%
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
$22,800 - $91,200 $18,400 - $73,600 +24%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$57,600 - $230,400 $48,300 - $193,000 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $293,000 - $1,521,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +2%

Local Market Factors

Factor Newark Houston
Cost of Living Index 115.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.14 0.92
Sales Tax 6.625% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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