Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs Houston, TX

San Diego, CA

$366,000 - $1,911,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Retail Space & Build-Out
$112,000 - $671,700 $68,500 - $410,900 +63%
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
$26,000 - $104,000 $18,400 - $73,600 +41%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$80,100 - $320,400 $48,300 - $193,000 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $366,000 - $1,911,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +28%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego Houston
Cost of Living Index 160.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.3 0.92
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

Ready to Start Your Pharmacy?

Start your Pharmacy LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee