Bakery Startup Cost Comparison

Fort Wayne, IN vs Chicago, IL

Fort Wayne, IN

$46,000 - $201,000

COL Index: 85.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$66,000 - $276,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fort Wayne, IN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,300 $5,600 - $10,900 -76%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,900 - $19,600 $11,700 - $58,700 -67%
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
$12,600 - $54,600 $17,300 - $74,800 -27%
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)
$8,600 - $29,900 $10,800 - $37,700 -21%
Total Estimated Cost $46,000 - $201,000 $66,000 - $276,000 -28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fort Wayne Chicago
Cost of Living Index 85.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.84 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $95 $150

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