Flower Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Buffalo, NY vs Chicago, IL

Buffalo, NY

$29,000 - $148,000

COL Index: 88.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$39,000 - $191,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Buffalo, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Permits
$2,400 - $9,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -30%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$2,500 - $15,000 $7,000 - $42,300 -65%
Floral Equipment & Coolers
$8,000 - $40,000 $8,000 - $40,000 Same
Initial Flower & Supply Inventory
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Store Build-Out & Design
$4,600 - $36,800 $5,800 - $46,000 -20%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,200 - $4,500 $1,200 - $4,500 Same
Marketing & Online Presence
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$5,300 - $22,100 $6,500 - $27,000 -18%
Total Estimated Cost $29,000 - $148,000 $39,000 - $191,000 -23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Buffalo Chicago
Cost of Living Index 88.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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