Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Sunnyvale, CA

$37,000 - $188,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$35,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,100 - $18,100 $4,000 - $14,400 +21%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$8,000 - $47,700 $7,500 - $45,000 +6%
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)
$9,600 - $38,500 $8,300 - $33,300 +16%
Total Estimated Cost $37,000 - $188,000 $35,000 - $177,000 +6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 192.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.35
Sales Tax 9.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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