Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Norfolk, VA vs Chicago, IL

Norfolk, VA

$121,000 - $1,806,000

COL Index: 97.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Norfolk, VA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$41,300 - $991,300 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -58%
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
$4,800 - $38,400 $5,800 - $46,000 -17%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$19,500 - $146,400 $21,600 - $161,700 -9%
Total Estimated Cost $121,000 - $1,806,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -43%

Local Market Factors

Factor Norfolk Chicago
Cost of Living Index 97.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $26 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.96 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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