Barbershop Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

$64,000 - $247,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$50,000 - $179,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,200 - $18,500 $5,600 - $10,900 +38%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$14,700 - $73,400 $8,800 - $44,000 +67%
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
$15,200 - $53,200 $11,500 - $40,300 +32%
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)
$14,400 - $45,000 $8,600 - $27,000 +67%
Total Estimated Cost $64,000 - $247,000 $50,000 - $179,000 +36%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Chicago
Cost of Living Index 179.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 8.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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