Hair Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA

$78,000 - $291,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$67,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $5,600 - $10,900 +12%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$15,000 - $75,000 $11,700 - $58,700 +28%
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
$20,300 - $67,500 $17,300 - $57,500 +17%
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)
$16,700 - $50,000 $10,800 - $32,300 +55%
Total Estimated Cost $78,000 - $291,000 $67,000 - $243,000 +19%

Local Market Factors

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

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