Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs San Francisco, CA

New York, NY

$82,000 - $289,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

San Francisco, CA

$79,000 - $285,000

COL Index: 179.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY San Francisco, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,300 - $17,100 $4,200 - $18,500 -1%
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)
$20,900 - $62,600 $19,600 - $58,700 +7%
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)
$9,400 - $28,100 $9,000 - $27,000 +4%
Total Estimated Cost $82,000 - $289,000 $79,000 - $285,000 +2%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York San Francisco
Cost of Living Index 187.2 179.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $40 - $110
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.52
Sales Tax 8.875% 8.625%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $18.67/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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