Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

Bellevue, WA vs Chicago, IL

Bellevue, WA

$71,000 - $258,000

COL Index: 168.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$69,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Bellevue, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,300 $5,600 - $10,900 -8%
Food Truck Vehicle
$30,000 - $120,000 $30,000 - $120,000 Same
Kitchen Equipment
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Initial Food Inventory
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Commissary Kitchen (Annual)
$13,000 - $39,100 $11,700 - $35,200 +11%
Business & Vehicle Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $8,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Branding
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$8,400 - $25,300 $5,400 - $16,200 +56%
Total Estimated Cost $71,000 - $258,000 $69,000 - $243,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Bellevue Chicago
Cost of Living Index 168.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.28/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $180 $150

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