Fast Food Franchise Startup Cost Comparison

Washington, DC vs Los Angeles, CA

Washington, DC

$211,000 - $3,780,000

COL Index: 148.7

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$220,000 - $3,934,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Washington, DC Los Angeles, CA Difference
Franchise Fee
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Restaurant Build-Out
$119,600 - $2,869,600 $125,000 - $3,000,000 -4%
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
$7,100 - $56,800 $6,800 - $54,000 +5%
Grand Opening Campaign
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$29,700 - $223,100 $33,300 - $249,800 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $211,000 - $3,780,000 $220,000 - $3,934,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Washington Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 148.7 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.35
Sales Tax 6% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $17.50/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $70

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