Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Fresno, CA vs Chicago, IL

Fresno, CA

$127,000 - $1,925,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fresno, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$45,700 - $1,095,700 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -53%
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
$4,600 - $36,800 $5,800 - $46,000 -20%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$21,700 - $162,800 $21,600 - $161,700 +1%
Total Estimated Cost $127,000 - $1,925,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -39%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fresno Chicago
Cost of Living Index 108.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $30 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.15
Sales Tax 8.35% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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