Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Chicago, IL

Sunnyvale, CA

$90,000 - $361,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$72,000 - $279,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,100 - $18,100 $5,600 - $10,900 +35%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,900 - $79,600 $11,700 - $58,700 +36%
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
$23,300 - $93,000 $17,300 - $69,000 +35%
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)
$19,300 - $67,400 $10,800 - $37,700 +79%
Total Estimated Cost $90,000 - $361,000 $72,000 - $279,000 +28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 192.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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