Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Charleston, WV vs Los Angeles, CA

Charleston, WV

$51,000 - $200,000

COL Index: 80.4

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$83,000 - $332,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Charleston, WV Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,800 $4,000 - $14,400 -76%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,100 - $15,700 $15,000 - $75,000 -79%
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
$12,300 - $49,200 $20,300 - $81,000 -39%
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)
$8,000 - $28,100 $16,700 - $58,300 -52%
Total Estimated Cost $51,000 - $200,000 $83,000 - $332,000 -40%

Local Market Factors

Factor Charleston Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 80.4 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $16 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 0.82 1.35
Sales Tax 7% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $8.75/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $70

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