Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Seattle, WA

$358,000 - $1,873,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Houston, TX

$283,000 - $1,493,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Retail Space & Build-Out
$108,700 - $652,200 $68,500 - $410,900 +59%
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
$28,000 - $112,000 $18,400 - $73,600 +52%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$73,600 - $294,200 $48,300 - $193,000 +52%
Total Estimated Cost $358,000 - $1,873,000 $283,000 - $1,493,000 +26%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Houston
Cost of Living Index 147.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.4 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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