Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Columbus, OH vs Los Angeles, CA

Columbus, OH

$25,000 - $130,000

COL Index: 96.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$35,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Columbus, OH Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,400 - $7,100 $4,000 - $14,400 -48%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$3,200 - $19,200 $7,500 - $45,000 -57%
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)
$4,800 - $19,400 $8,300 - $33,300 -42%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $130,000 $35,000 - $177,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Columbus Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 96.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $35 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.35
Sales Tax 7.5% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $10.45/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $70

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