Ghost Kitchen Startup Cost Comparison
Trenton, NJ vs Chicago, IL
Trenton, NJ
$19,000 - $96,000
COL Index: 100.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$26,000 - $132,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Trenton, NJ | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$500 - $5,000 | $500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Commercial Space & Build-Out
|
$4,700 - $23,500 | $11,700 - $58,700 | -60% |
|
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)
|
$3,000 - $10,100 | $3,200 - $10,800 | -6% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $19,000 - $96,000 | $26,000 - $132,000 | -27% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Trenton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 100.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $12 - $24 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.98 | 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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