Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison
Durham, NC vs Los Angeles, CA
Durham, NC
$59,000 - $222,000
COL Index: 102.8
VS
Los Angeles, CA
$74,000 - $265,000
COL Index: 166.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Durham, NC | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $6,300 | $4,000 - $14,400 | -58% |
|
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)
|
$6,300 - $18,800 | $15,000 - $45,000 | -58% |
|
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)
|
$5,100 - $15,400 | $8,300 - $25,000 | -38% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $59,000 - $222,000 | $74,000 - $265,000 | -17% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Durham | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 102.8 | 166.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $32 | $30 - $85 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.04 | 1.35 |
| Sales Tax | 7.5% | 9.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $16.78/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $70 |
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