Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Carlsbad, CA vs Chicago, IL

Carlsbad, CA

$186,000 - $3,159,000

COL Index: 155.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Carlsbad, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$93,500 - $2,243,500 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -4%
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
$6,500 - $52,000 $5,800 - $46,000 +13%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$31,100 - $233,400 $21,600 - $161,700 +44%
Total Estimated Cost $186,000 - $3,159,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -1%

Local Market Factors

Factor Carlsbad Chicago
Cost of Living Index 155.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $58 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.15
Sales Tax 8.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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