Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison
Austin, TX vs Houston, TX
Austin, TX
$31,000 - $133,000
COL Index: 105.2
VS
Houston, TX
$29,000 - $121,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Austin, TX | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$2,000 - $6,600 | $1,900 - $6,200 | +6% |
|
Broker License & Education
|
$2,000 - $6,000 | $2,000 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$7,500 - $37,700 | $6,200 - $30,800 | +22% |
|
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
|
$3,300 - $16,500 | $2,800 - $13,800 | +19% |
|
Technology & MLS Access
|
$3,000 - $12,000 | $3,000 - $12,000 | Same |
|
Insurance (Annual)
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Brand Building
|
$3,000 - $15,000 | $3,000 - $15,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
|
$8,400 - $31,600 | $7,700 - $29,000 | +9% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $31,000 - $133,000 | $29,000 - $121,000 | +9% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Austin | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 105.2 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $22 - $55 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.1 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $300 | $300 |
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