Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison

Oakland, CA vs Chicago, IL

Oakland, CA

$301,000 - $2,286,000

COL Index: 160.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$275,000 - $2,129,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Oakland, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$202,200 - $1,617,400 $195,700 - $1,565,200 +3%
Initial Supplies & Inventory
$37,500 - $300,000 $37,500 - $300,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $40,000 $500 - $40,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$60,200 - $321,000 $40,400 - $215,600 +49%
Total Estimated Cost $301,000 - $2,286,000 $275,000 - $2,129,000 +8%

Local Market Factors

Factor Oakland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 160.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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