Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Chicago, IL

Sunnyvale, CA

$234,000 - $4,163,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$132,600 - $3,182,600 $97,800 - $2,347,800 +36%
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 $5,800 - $46,000 +35%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$38,500 - $288,800 $21,600 - $161,700 +79%
Total Estimated Cost $234,000 - $4,163,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 +31%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 192.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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