Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Baltimore, MD vs Los Angeles, CA

Baltimore, MD

$63,000 - $247,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$83,000 - $332,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Baltimore, MD Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,900 - $6,200 $4,000 - $14,400 -56%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,300 - $36,500 $15,000 - $75,000 -51%
Espresso Machines & Equipment
$20,000 - $80,000 $20,000 - $80,000 Same
Initial Coffee & Food Inventory
$3,000 - $8,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$15,800 - $63,000 $20,300 - $81,000 -22%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $7,000 $2,000 - $7,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$10,900 - $38,000 $16,700 - $58,300 -35%
Total Estimated Cost $63,000 - $247,000 $83,000 - $332,000 -25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Baltimore Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 108.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.05 1.35
Sales Tax 6% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $70

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