Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Tacoma, WA vs Chicago, IL

Tacoma, WA

$143,000 - $2,261,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Tacoma, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$58,700 - $1,408,700 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -40%
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
$5,500 - $44,000 $5,800 - $46,000 -4%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$23,700 - $177,800 $21,600 - $161,700 +10%
Total Estimated Cost $143,000 - $2,261,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -29%

Local Market Factors

Factor Tacoma Chicago
Cost of Living Index 118.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $38 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.1 1.15
Sales Tax 10.2% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.28/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $180 $150

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