Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Lakewood, CO vs Chicago, IL

Lakewood, CO

$48,000 - $312,000

COL Index: 112.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$59,000 - $393,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Lakewood, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$17,600 - $123,300 $29,300 - $205,400 -40%
Equipment & Fixtures
$12,500 - $87,500 $12,500 - $87,500 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$8,400 - $39,400 $8,100 - $37,700 +4%
Total Estimated Cost $48,000 - $312,000 $59,000 - $393,000 -20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Lakewood Chicago
Cost of Living Index 112.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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