Convenience Store Startup Cost Comparison

Wilmington, DE vs Chicago, IL

Wilmington, DE

$43,000 - $281,000

COL Index: 102.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$59,000 - $393,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Wilmington, DE Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$13,700 - $95,900 $29,300 - $205,400 -53%
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)
$7,700 - $35,800 $8,100 - $37,700 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $43,000 - $281,000 $59,000 - $393,000 -28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Wilmington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.15
Sales Tax 0% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $90 $150

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