Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs New York, NY

San Francisco, CA

$79,000 - $285,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

New York, NY

$82,000 - $289,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,200 - $18,500 $5,300 - $17,100 +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)
$19,600 - $58,700 $20,900 - $62,600 -6%
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)
$9,000 - $27,000 $9,400 - $28,100 -4%
Total Estimated Cost $79,000 - $285,000 $82,000 - $289,000 -2%

Local Market Factors

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

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