Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Carlsbad, CA vs Chicago, IL

Carlsbad, CA

$77,000 - $306,000

COL Index: 155.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$72,000 - $279,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Carlsbad, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,300 - $14,200 $5,600 - $10,900 +6%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,200 - $56,100 $11,700 - $58,700 -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
$19,500 - $78,000 $17,300 - $69,000 +13%
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)
$15,600 - $54,500 $10,800 - $37,700 +45%
Total Estimated Cost $77,000 - $306,000 $72,000 - $279,000 +9%

Local Market Factors

Factor Carlsbad Chicago
Cost of Living Index 155.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $58 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.15
Sales Tax 8.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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