Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs New York, NY

Boston, MA

$36,000 - $190,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

New York, NY

$40,000 - $201,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $5,300 - $17,100 +70%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$7,200 - $43,000 $10,400 - $62,600 -31%
Catering Equipment & Supplies
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Delivery Vehicle
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Initial Food & Supply Inventory
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Branding
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$7,600 - $30,500 $9,400 - $37,400 -19%
Total Estimated Cost $36,000 - $190,000 $40,000 - $201,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston New York
Cost of Living Index 152.4 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.45
Sales Tax 6.25% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $200

Ready to Start Your Catering Business?

Start your Catering Business LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee