Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Boca Raton, FL vs Chicago, IL

Boca Raton, FL

$95,000 - $393,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$100,000 - $409,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boca Raton, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,500 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -15%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$14,500 - $84,500 $17,600 - $102,700 -18%
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
$28,000 - $112,000 $28,800 - $115,000 -3%
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)
$17,800 - $59,300 $16,200 - $53,900 +10%
Total Estimated Cost $95,000 - $393,000 $100,000 - $409,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boca Raton Chicago
Cost of Living Index 118.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $24 - $50 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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