Donut Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Washington, DC vs Chicago, IL

Washington, DC

$69,000 - $331,000

COL Index: 148.7

VS

Chicago, IL

$59,000 - $288,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Washington, DC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$35,900 - $179,300 $29,300 - $146,700 +22%
Equipment & Fixtures
$12,500 - $62,500 $12,500 - $62,500 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 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)
$11,200 - $37,200 $8,100 - $27,000 +38%
Total Estimated Cost $69,000 - $331,000 $59,000 - $288,000 +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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