Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Los Angeles, CA

Boston, MA

$83,000 - $343,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$83,000 - $332,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $4,000 - $14,400 +107%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$14,300 - $71,700 $15,000 - $75,000 -4%
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
$20,700 - $82,800 $20,300 - $81,000 +2%
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)
$15,200 - $53,300 $16,700 - $58,300 -9%
Total Estimated Cost $83,000 - $343,000 $83,000 - $332,000 +3%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 152.4 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.35
Sales Tax 6.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $70

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