Candy Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA

Chicago, IL

$26,000 - $132,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

San Francisco, CA

$37,000 - $178,000

COL Index: 179.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$11,700 - $58,700 $19,600 - $97,800 -40%
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)
$3,200 - $10,800 $5,400 - $18,000 -40%
Total Estimated Cost $26,000 - $132,000 $37,000 - $178,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

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

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