Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA

$220,000 - $3,934,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$125,000 - $3,000,000 $97,800 - $2,347,800 +28%
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
$6,800 - $54,000 $5,800 - $46,000 +17%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$33,300 - $249,800 $21,600 - $161,700 +54%
Total Estimated Cost $220,000 - $3,934,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 +23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles Chicago
Cost of Living Index 166.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.35 1.15
Sales Tax 9.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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