Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison
Charleston, SC vs Chicago, IL
Charleston, SC
$146,000 - $2,352,000
COL Index: 110.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$180,000 - $3,186,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charleston, SC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Franchise Fee
|
$10,000 - $50,000 | $10,000 - $50,000 | Same |
|
Restaurant Build-Out
|
$63,000 - $1,513,000 | $97,800 - $2,347,800 | -36% |
|
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
|
$5,300 - $42,400 | $5,800 - $46,000 | -8% |
|
Grand Opening Campaign
|
$5,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$22,200 - $166,200 | $21,600 - $161,700 | +3% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $146,000 - $2,352,000 | $180,000 - $3,186,000 | -26% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 110.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $18 - $40 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.06 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 9% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $110 | $150 |
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