Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

St. Petersburg, FL vs Chicago, IL

St. Petersburg, FL

$135,000 - $2,132,000

COL Index: 104.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense St. Petersburg, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$54,300 - $1,304,300 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -44%
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
$5,100 - $40,800 $5,800 - $46,000 -11%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$20,900 - $156,900 $21,600 - $161,700 -3%
Total Estimated Cost $135,000 - $2,132,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -33%

Local Market Factors

Factor St. Petersburg Chicago
Cost of Living Index 104.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $34 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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