Bar Startup Cost Comparison
Arlington, VA vs Chicago, IL
Arlington, VA
$110,000 - $452,000
COL Index: 148.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$100,000 - $409,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Arlington, VA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Liquor License
|
$3,700 - $15,000 | $5,600 - $15,000 | -9% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$17,600 - $102,700 | $17,600 - $102,700 | Same |
|
Bar Equipment & Fixtures
|
$15,000 - $60,000 | $15,000 - $60,000 | Same |
|
Initial Liquor & Beverage Inventory
|
$8,000 - $25,000 | $8,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
|
$34,500 - $138,000 | $28,800 - $115,000 | +20% |
|
Sound System & Security
|
$5,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$4,000 - $12,000 | $4,000 - $12,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$22,200 - $74,100 | $16,200 - $53,900 | +37% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $110,000 - $452,000 | $100,000 - $409,000 | +10% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Arlington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 148.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $60 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.38 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $12.41/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $100 | $150 |
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