Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Oakland, CA vs Houston, TX

Oakland, CA

$357,000 - $1,853,000

COL Index: 160.5

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Oakland, CA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Retail Space & Build-Out
$101,100 - $606,500 $68,500 - $410,900 +48%
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)
$80,300 - $321,000 $48,300 - $193,000 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $357,000 - $1,853,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Oakland Houston
Cost of Living Index 160.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.38 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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