Candy Shop Startup Cost Comparison

San Jose, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Jose, CA

$34,000 - $165,000

COL Index: 185.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$26,000 - $132,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Jose, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$17,000 - $84,800 $11,700 - $58,700 +45%
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)
$5,600 - $18,600 $3,200 - $10,800 +73%
Total Estimated Cost $34,000 - $165,000 $26,000 - $132,000 +26%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Jose Chicago
Cost of Living Index 185.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $95 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $17.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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