Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Tampa, FL vs Chicago, IL

Tampa, FL

$48,000 - $314,000

COL Index: 103.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$59,000 - $393,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Tampa, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$18,300 - $127,800 $29,300 - $205,400 -38%
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)
$7,800 - $36,300 $8,100 - $37,700 -4%
Total Estimated Cost $48,000 - $314,000 $59,000 - $393,000 -20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Tampa Chicago
Cost of Living Index 103.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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