Hair Salon Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

New York, NY

$89,000 - $334,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$67,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,300 - $17,100 $5,600 - $10,900 +36%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$20,900 - $104,300 $11,700 - $58,700 +78%
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
$21,800 - $72,500 $17,300 - $57,500 +26%
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)
$18,700 - $56,200 $10,800 - $32,300 +74%
Total Estimated Cost $89,000 - $334,000 $67,000 - $243,000 +36%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Chicago
Cost of Living Index 187.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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