Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Portland, OR vs Chicago, IL

Portland, OR

$94,000 - $389,000

COL Index: 114.7

VS

Chicago, IL

$100,000 - $409,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Portland, OR Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,600 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -15%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$14,100 - $82,200 $17,600 - $102,700 -20%
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)
$17,200 - $57,400 $16,200 - $53,900 +6%
Total Estimated Cost $94,000 - $389,000 $100,000 - $409,000 -5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Portland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 114.7 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $52 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.15
Sales Tax 0% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.95/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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