Barbershop Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA

$57,000 - $217,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$50,000 - $179,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $5,600 - $10,900 +12%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,300 - $56,300 $8,800 - $44,000 +28%
Barber Chairs & Stations
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Initial Product Inventory
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Design
$13,500 - $47,300 $11,500 - $40,300 +17%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$2,000 - $7,000 $2,000 - $7,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$13,300 - $41,600 $8,600 - $27,000 +54%
Total Estimated Cost $57,000 - $217,000 $50,000 - $179,000 +20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles Chicago
Cost of Living Index 166.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.35 1.15
Sales Tax 9.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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