Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Chicago, IL

Irvine, CA

$196,000 - $3,302,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$97,800 - $2,347,800 $97,800 - $2,347,800 Same
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
$7,100 - $56,800 $5,800 - $46,000 +23%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$35,700 - $267,800 $21,600 - $161,700 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $196,000 - $3,302,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 +4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 178.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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