Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Los Angeles, CA

$83,000 - $332,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

San Francisco, CA

$92,000 - $373,000

COL Index: 179.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $4,200 - $18,500 -19%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,000 - $75,000 $19,600 - $97,800 -23%
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
$20,300 - $81,000 $22,800 - $91,200 -11%
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)
$16,700 - $58,300 $18,000 - $62,900 -7%
Total Estimated Cost $83,000 - $332,000 $92,000 - $373,000 -11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles San Francisco
Cost of Living Index 166.5 179.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $40 - $110
Labor Rate Index 1.35 1.52
Sales Tax 9.5% 8.625%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $18.67/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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