Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Chicago, IL

Irvine, CA

$81,000 - $321,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$72,000 - $279,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $11,100 $5,600 - $10,900 -16%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,700 - $58,700 $11,700 - $58,700 Same
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
$21,300 - $85,200 $17,300 - $69,000 +23%
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)
$17,900 - $62,500 $10,800 - $37,700 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $81,000 - $321,000 $72,000 - $279,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 178.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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