Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

San Bernardino, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Bernardino, CA

$58,000 - $216,000

COL Index: 105.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$69,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Bernardino, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $5,600 $5,600 - $10,900 -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)
$4,400 - $13,300 $11,700 - $35,200 -62%
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)
$5,300 - $15,800 $5,400 - $16,200 -2%
Total Estimated Cost $58,000 - $216,000 $69,000 - $243,000 -12%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Bernardino Chicago
Cost of Living Index 105.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

Ready to Start Your Food Truck?

Start your Food Truck LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee