Travel Agency Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY

$14,000 - $73,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$12,000 - $64,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,300 - $17,100 $4,000 - $14,400 +22%
Host Agency Fees & Consortia
$200 - $1,500 $200 - $1,500 Same
Industry Accreditation & Training
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Software & Booking Tools
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Office Setup
$1,700 - $17,400 $1,300 - $12,500 +38%
Errors & Omissions Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $2,500 $500 - $2,500 Same
Marketing & Client Acquisition
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,700 - $18,700 $3,300 - $16,700 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $14,000 - $73,000 $12,000 - $64,000 +14%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 187.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.35
Sales Tax 8.875% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

Ready to Start Your Travel Agency?

File your Travel Agency LLC online and pay only the state fee on the basic plan.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →

Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot · Registered agent service sold separately

Start Your LLC — $0 + State Fee