Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Houston, TX

Philadelphia, PA

$309,000 - $1,629,000

COL Index: 114.5

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Philadelphia, PA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $26,600 $5,000 - $20,000 +26%
Retail Space & Build-Out
$81,500 - $489,100 $68,500 - $410,900 +19%
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
$22,400 - $89,600 $18,400 - $73,600 +22%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$57,300 - $229,000 $48,300 - $193,000 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $309,000 - $1,629,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +9%

Local Market Factors

Factor Philadelphia Houston
Cost of Living Index 114.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $55 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.12 0.92
Sales Tax 8% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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