Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$212,000 - $3,783,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$119,600 - $2,869,600 $97,800 - $2,347,800 +22%
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
$6,900 - $55,200 $5,800 - $46,000 +20%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$30,500 - $228,600 $21,600 - $161,700 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $212,000 - $3,783,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 +19%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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