Barbershop Startup Cost Comparison

Newark, NJ vs Chicago, IL

Newark, NJ

$52,000 - $204,000

COL Index: 115.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$50,000 - $179,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Newark, NJ Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$10,600 - $51,700 $5,600 - $10,900 +278%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$5,300 - $26,400 $8,800 - $44,000 -40%
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
$11,400 - $39,900 $11,500 - $40,300 -1%
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)
$9,200 - $28,800 $8,600 - $27,000 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $52,000 - $204,000 $50,000 - $179,000 +12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Newark Chicago
Cost of Living Index 115.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.14 1.15
Sales Tax 6.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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