Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

New York, NY

$94,000 - $377,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$72,000 - $279,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,300 - $17,100 $5,600 - $10,900 +36%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$20,900 - $104,300 $11,700 - $58,700 +78%
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
$21,800 - $87,000 $17,300 - $69,000 +26%
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)
$18,700 - $65,500 $10,800 - $37,700 +74%
Total Estimated Cost $94,000 - $377,000 $72,000 - $279,000 +34%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Chicago
Cost of Living Index 187.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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