Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Irvine, CA

$33,000 - $166,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$35,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $11,100 $4,000 - $14,400 -24%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$5,900 - $35,200 $7,500 - $45,000 -22%
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)
$8,900 - $35,700 $8,300 - $33,300 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $33,000 - $166,000 $35,000 - $177,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 178.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.35
Sales Tax 7.75% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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