Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Springfield, MO vs Chicago, IL

Springfield, MO

$22,000 - $116,000

COL Index: 85.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$32,000 - $152,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Springfield, MO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -76%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$2,000 - $11,700 $5,900 - $35,200 -67%
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)
$4,300 - $17,100 $5,400 - $21,600 -21%
Total Estimated Cost $22,000 - $116,000 $32,000 - $152,000 -25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Springfield Chicago
Cost of Living Index 85.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.84 1.15
Sales Tax 8.1% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.30/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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