Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Rockford, IL vs Chicago, IL

Rockford, IL

$52,000 - $204,000

COL Index: 84.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$72,000 - $279,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Rockford, IL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -75%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,400 - $17,000 $11,700 - $58,700 -71%
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
$12,600 - $50,400 $17,300 - $69,000 -27%
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)
$8,500 - $29,600 $10,800 - $37,700 -21%
Total Estimated Cost $52,000 - $204,000 $72,000 - $279,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Rockford Chicago
Cost of Living Index 84.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $18 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.84 1.15
Sales Tax 8.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $150

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