Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

San Jose, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

San Jose, CA

$241,000 - $4,362,000

COL Index: 185.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$220,000 - $3,934,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Jose, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$141,300 - $3,391,300 $125,000 - $3,000,000 +13%
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
$7,800 - $62,000 $6,800 - $54,000 +15%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$37,100 - $278,300 $33,300 - $249,800 +11%
Total Estimated Cost $241,000 - $4,362,000 $220,000 - $3,934,000 +11%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Jose Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 185.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $95 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.35
Sales Tax 9.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $17.55/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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