Real Estate Investment Business Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Houston, TX

Philadelphia, PA

$33,000 - $664,000

COL Index: 114.5

VS

Houston, TX

$28,000 - $562,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Philadelphia, PA Houston, TX Difference
Business Formation
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
First Property Down Payment
$16,300 - $489,100 $13,700 - $410,900 +19%
Renovation & Repairs
$5,700 - $114,500 $4,800 - $96,500 +19%
Landlord Insurance
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Analysis & Management Tools
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Closing & Financing Costs
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Cash Reserves
$5,700 - $34,400 $4,800 - $29,000 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $33,000 - $664,000 $28,000 - $562,000 +18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Philadelphia Houston
Cost of Living Index 114.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $55 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.12 0.92
Sales Tax 8% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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