Candy Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Charleston, WV vs Chicago, IL

Charleston, WV

$17,000 - $86,000

COL Index: 80.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$26,000 - $132,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Charleston, WV Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$3,100 - $15,700 $11,700 - $58,700 -73%
Equipment & Fixtures
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$2,400 - $8,000 $3,200 - $10,800 -26%
Total Estimated Cost $17,000 - $86,000 $26,000 - $132,000 -35%

Local Market Factors

Factor Charleston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 80.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $16 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.82 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $8.75/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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