Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Trenton, NJ vs Chicago, IL

Trenton, NJ

$119,000 - $1,760,000

COL Index: 100.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$180,000 - $3,186,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Trenton, NJ Chicago, IL Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$39,100 - $939,100 $97,800 - $2,347,800 -60%
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
$4,900 - $39,200 $5,800 - $46,000 -15%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$20,200 - $151,200 $21,600 - $161,700 -6%
Total Estimated Cost $119,000 - $1,760,000 $180,000 - $3,186,000 -44%

Local Market Factors

Factor Trenton Chicago
Cost of Living Index 100.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 6.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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