Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Pasadena, CA vs Houston, TX

Pasadena, CA

$39,000 - $167,000

COL Index: 152.3

VS

Houston, TX

$29,000 - $121,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Pasadena, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,300 - $14,300 $1,900 - $6,200 +117%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,300 - $46,500 $6,200 - $30,800 +51%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$4,000 - $19,800 $2,800 - $13,800 +43%
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)
$12,200 - $45,700 $7,700 - $29,000 +58%
Total Estimated Cost $39,000 - $167,000 $29,000 - $121,000 +37%

Local Market Factors

Factor Pasadena Houston
Cost of Living Index 152.3 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.32 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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