Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs New York, NY

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

New York, NY

$274,000 - $5,143,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL New York, NY Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$97,800 - $2,347,800 $173,900 - $4,173,900 -44%
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
$5,800 - $46,000 $7,300 - $58,000 -21%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$21,600 - $161,700 $37,400 - $280,800 -42%
Total Estimated Cost $180,000 - $3,186,000 $274,000 - $5,143,000 -38%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago New York
Cost of Living Index 107.8 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.45
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $200

Ready to Start Your Fast Food Franchise?

Start your Fast Food Franchise LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee