Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Torrance, CA vs Chicago, IL

Torrance, CA

$182,000 - $3,091,000

COL Index: 145.7

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Torrance, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$91,300 - $2,191,300 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -7%
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
$6,400 - $51,200 $5,800 - $46,000 +11%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$29,100 - $218,600 $21,600 - $161,700 +35%
Total Estimated Cost $182,000 - $3,091,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -3%

Local Market Factors

Factor Torrance Chicago
Cost of Living Index 145.7 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $26 - $58 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.28 1.15
Sales Tax 10% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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