Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Rochester, NY vs Chicago, IL

Rochester, NY

$38,000 - $247,000

COL Index: 87.9

VS

Chicago, IL

$59,000 - $393,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Rochester, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$9,500 - $66,200 $29,300 - $205,400 -68%
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)
$6,600 - $30,800 $8,100 - $37,700 -18%
Total Estimated Cost $38,000 - $247,000 $59,000 - $393,000 -37%

Local Market Factors

Factor Rochester Chicago
Cost of Living Index 87.9 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $9 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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