Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Pensacola, FL vs Chicago, IL

Pensacola, FL

$76,000 - $307,000

COL Index: 91.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$100,000 - $409,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Pensacola, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,300 - $36,500 $17,600 - $102,700 -64%
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
$22,000 - $88,000 $28,800 - $115,000 -24%
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)
$13,700 - $45,800 $16,200 - $53,900 -15%
Total Estimated Cost $76,000 - $307,000 $100,000 - $409,000 -25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Pensacola Chicago
Cost of Living Index 91.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.88 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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