Coffee Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Washington, DC vs Chicago, IL
Washington, DC
$81,000 - $324,000
COL Index: 148.7
VS
Chicago, IL
$72,000 - $279,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Washington, DC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$3,800 - $12,300 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -2% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$14,300 - $71,700 | $11,700 - $58,700 | +22% |
|
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
|
$21,300 - $85,200 | $17,300 - $69,000 | +23% |
|
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)
|
$14,900 - $52,000 | $10,800 - $37,700 | +38% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $81,000 - $324,000 | $72,000 - $279,000 | +15% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Washington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 148.7 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $80 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.42 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $17.50/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $99 | $150 |
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