Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Trenton, NJ vs Chicago, IL
Trenton, NJ
$62,000 - $247,000
COL Index: 100.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$72,000 - $279,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Trenton, NJ | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$5,400 - $26,200 | $5,600 - $10,900 | +92% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$4,700 - $23,500 | $11,700 - $58,700 | -60% |
|
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
|
$14,700 - $58,800 | $17,300 - $69,000 | -15% |
|
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)
|
$10,100 - $35,300 | $10,800 - $37,700 | -6% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $62,000 - $247,000 | $72,000 - $279,000 | -12% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Trenton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 100.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $12 - $24 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.98 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6.625% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.49/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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