Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Hartford, CT vs Chicago, IL

Hartford, CT

$130,000 - $1,982,000

COL Index: 107.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Hartford, CT Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$47,800 - $1,147,800 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -51%
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
$5,400 - $43,200 $5,800 - $46,000 -6%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$21,500 - $161,000 $21,600 - $161,700 Same
Total Estimated Cost $130,000 - $1,982,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -37%

Local Market Factors

Factor Hartford Chicago
Cost of Living Index 107.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $30 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 6.35% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.35/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $120 $150

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