Barbershop Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$53,000 - $204,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$50,000 - $179,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -9%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,800 - $48,900 $8,800 - $44,000 +11%
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
$14,000 - $49,000 $11,500 - $40,300 +22%
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)
$11,800 - $36,800 $8,600 - $27,000 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $53,000 - $204,000 $50,000 - $179,000 +12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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