Los Angeles, California — Startup Costs
Restaurant Startup Costs in Los Angeles
Opening a restaurant in Los Angeles typically costs $200,000–$600,000 (prime corridor), $150,000–$350,000 (Valley/Eastside). Here is the full breakdown — lease deposits, equipment, build-out, permits, inventory, and pre-opening costs — with real dollar ranges based on Los Angeles market data.
Startup cost breakdown
| Cost item | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease deposit + first 3 months rent | $12,000 | $35,000 | 1,500 sqft at $28–40/sqft/year in prime areas |
| Kitchen equipment | $45,000 | $85,000 | — |
| Build-out / tenant improvements | $80,000 | $200,000 | — |
| ABC liquor license (Type 47) | $15,000 | $25,000 | CA market-priced license |
| Initial inventory | $10,000 | $20,000 | — |
| Permits (LA County health + city business + fire) | $1,500 | $3,500 | — |
| Pre-opening labor & training | $12,000 | $25,000 | — |
| Marketing & grand opening | $8,000 | $20,000 | — |
| Total estimated range | $183,500 | $413,500 | 4–8 months from lease signing. ABC license transfer: 90–120 days. LA County health: 3–5 weeks. LA City Planning (conditional use if needed): 3–6 months. LA's size means inspections are handled by district offices — timeline varies by neighborhood. |
Timeline to launch
4–8 months from lease signing. ABC license transfer: 90–120 days. LA County health: 3–5 weeks. LA City Planning (conditional use if needed): 3–6 months. LA's size means inspections are handled by district offices — timeline varies by neighborhood.
How Los Angeles compares
Los Angeles restaurant startup costs are in the middle range, with the primary differentiator being local commercial rent and wage levels. For comparison, see our national restaurant profit margin benchmarks and restaurant profit calculator.
Plan your Los Angeles restaurant
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