Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison
Newark, NJ vs Chicago, IL
Newark, NJ
$70,000 - $271,000
COL Index: 115.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$69,000 - $243,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Newark, NJ | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$10,600 - $51,700 | $5,600 - $10,900 | +278% |
|
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)
|
$7,000 - $21,100 | $11,700 - $35,200 | -40% |
|
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)
|
$5,800 - $17,300 | $5,400 - $16,200 | +7% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $70,000 - $271,000 | $69,000 - $243,000 | +9% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Newark | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 115.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $38 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.14 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6.625% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.49/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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