Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Atlanta, GA vs Chicago, IL

Atlanta, GA

$152,000 - $2,545,000

COL Index: 101.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Atlanta, GA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$71,700 - $1,721,700 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -27%
Kitchen Equipment & Technology
$30,000 - $500,000 $30,000 - $500,000 Same
Insurance Package
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Opening Inventory & Supplies
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Hiring & Training
$5,200 - $41,600 $5,800 - $46,000 -10%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$20,300 - $152,100 $21,600 - $161,700 -6%
Total Estimated Cost $152,000 - $2,545,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Atlanta Chicago
Cost of Living Index 101.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $48 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.04 1.15
Sales Tax 8.9% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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