Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Chattanooga, TN vs Chicago, IL

Chattanooga, TN

$115,000 - $1,688,000

COL Index: 89.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chattanooga, TN Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$37,000 - $887,000 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -62%
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
$4,500 - $36,000 $5,800 - $46,000 -22%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$18,000 - $134,700 $21,600 - $161,700 -17%
Total Estimated Cost $115,000 - $1,688,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -46%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chattanooga Chicago
Cost of Living Index 89.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 9.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $150

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