Hair Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

$67,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$78,000 - $291,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,600 - $10,900 $4,000 - $14,400 -10%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$11,700 - $58,700 $15,000 - $75,000 -22%
Salon Equipment & Stations
$15,000 - $60,000 $15,000 - $60,000 Same
Initial Product Inventory
$3,000 - $10,000 $3,000 - $10,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Design
$17,300 - $57,500 $20,300 - $67,500 -15%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$10,800 - $32,300 $16,700 - $50,000 -35%
Total Estimated Cost $67,000 - $243,000 $78,000 - $291,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 107.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.35
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $70

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