Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Aurora, CO vs Chicago, IL

Aurora, CO

$87,000 - $358,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$100,000 - $409,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Aurora, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$10,600 - $61,600 $17,600 - $102,700 -40%
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
$26,300 - $105,000 $28,800 - $115,000 -9%
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)
$16,300 - $54,300 $16,200 - $53,900 +1%
Total Estimated Cost $87,000 - $358,000 $100,000 - $409,000 -13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Aurora Chicago
Cost of Living Index 108.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.05 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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