Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Portland, OR vs Los Angeles, CA

Portland, OR

$28,000 - $145,000

COL Index: 114.7

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$35,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Portland, OR Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,600 - $9,700 $4,000 - $14,400 -33%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$4,700 - $28,200 $7,500 - $45,000 -37%
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)
$5,700 - $22,900 $8,300 - $33,300 -31%
Total Estimated Cost $28,000 - $145,000 $35,000 - $177,000 -18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Portland Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 114.7 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $52 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.35
Sales Tax 0% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.95/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $70

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