Grocery Store Startup Cost Comparison

El Paso, TX vs Chicago, IL

El Paso, TX

$89,000 - $1,138,000

COL Index: 86.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$135,000 - $1,797,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense El Paso, TX Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Permits
$1,800 - $10,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -28%
Store Lease & Build-Out
$22,800 - $380,400 $58,700 - $978,300 -61%
Refrigeration & Store Equipment
$20,000 - $300,000 $20,000 - $300,000 Same
Initial Inventory
$15,000 - $200,000 $15,000 - $200,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Initial Staffing
$4,000 - $40,000 $5,800 - $57,500 -30%
Marketing & Grand Opening
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$17,200 - $172,400 $21,600 - $215,600 -20%
Total Estimated Cost $89,000 - $1,138,000 $135,000 - $1,797,000 -36%

Local Market Factors

Factor El Paso Chicago
Cost of Living Index 86.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $25 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.8 1.15
Sales Tax 8.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $150

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