Bakery Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$77,000 - $341,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$66,000 - $276,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $5,600 - $10,900 +131%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$14,300 - $71,700 $11,700 - $58,700 +22%
Baking Equipment & Fixtures
$15,000 - $75,000 $15,000 - $75,000 Same
Initial Ingredients & Packaging
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Kitchen Renovation
$20,700 - $89,700 $17,300 - $74,800 +20%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$1,500 - $7,000 $1,500 - $7,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$15,200 - $53,300 $10,800 - $37,700 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $77,000 - $341,000 $66,000 - $276,000 +22%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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