Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

San Jose, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

San Jose, CA

$413,000 - $2,158,000

COL Index: 185.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$383,000 - $2,006,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Jose, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Retail Space & Build-Out
$141,300 - $847,800 $125,000 - $750,000 +13%
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
$31,000 - $124,000 $27,000 - $108,000 +15%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$92,800 - $371,000 $83,300 - $333,000 +11%
Total Estimated Cost $413,000 - $2,158,000 $383,000 - $2,006,000 +8%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Jose Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 185.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $95 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.35
Sales Tax 9.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $17.55/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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