Ghost Kitchen Startup Cost Comparison
Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL
Seattle, WA
$29,000 - $142,000
COL Index: 147.1
VS
Chicago, IL
$26,000 - $132,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Seattle, WA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$500 - $5,000 | $500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Commercial Space & Build-Out
|
$13,000 - $65,200 | $11,700 - $58,700 | +11% |
|
Equipment & Fixtures
|
$5,000 - $25,000 | $5,000 - $25,000 | Same |
|
Initial Inventory & Supplies
|
$2,000 - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$2,000 - $12,000 | $2,000 - $12,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Grand Opening
|
$2,000 - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$4,400 - $14,700 | $3,200 - $10,800 | +36% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $29,000 - $142,000 | $26,000 - $132,000 | +8% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 147.1 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $28 - $72 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.4 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $19.97/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $200 | $150 |
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