Catering Business Startup Cost Comparison

Vancouver, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

Vancouver, WA

$25,000 - $131,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$35,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Vancouver, WA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,900 - $7,100 $4,000 - $14,400 -51%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$3,000 - $18,000 $7,500 - $45,000 -60%
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)
$5,400 - $21,700 $8,300 - $33,300 -35%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $131,000 $35,000 - $177,000 -26%

Local Market Factors

Factor Vancouver Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 108.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.35
Sales Tax 8.7% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.28/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $180 $70

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