Hair Salon Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Diego, CA

$75,000 - $282,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$67,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $17,700 $5,600 - $10,900 +32%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$13,400 - $67,200 $11,700 - $58,700 +14%
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
$19,500 - $65,000 $17,300 - $57,500 +13%
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)
$16,000 - $48,100 $10,800 - $32,300 +49%
Total Estimated Cost $75,000 - $282,000 $67,000 - $243,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego Chicago
Cost of Living Index 160.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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