Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Pasadena, CA vs Chicago, IL

Pasadena, CA

$195,000 - $3,390,000

COL Index: 152.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Pasadena, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$103,300 - $2,478,300 $97,800 - $2,347,800 +6%
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
$6,600 - $52,800 $5,800 - $46,000 +15%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$30,500 - $228,500 $21,600 - $161,700 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $195,000 - $3,390,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 +7%

Local Market Factors

Factor Pasadena Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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