Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison
Tacoma, WA vs Chicago, IL
Tacoma, WA
$27,000 - $137,000
COL Index: 118.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$32,000 - $152,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Tacoma, WA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$2,100 - $8,500 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -36% |
|
Commercial Kitchen Access
|
$3,500 - $21,100 | $5,900 - $35,200 | -40% |
|
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)
|
$5,900 - $23,700 | $5,400 - $21,600 | +10% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $27,000 - $137,000 | $32,000 - $152,000 | -11% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Tacoma | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 118.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $38 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.1 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 10.2% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $16.28/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $180 | $150 |
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