Hair Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$74,000 - $276,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$67,000 - $243,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -9%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$13,000 - $65,200 $11,700 - $58,700 +11%
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
$21,000 - $70,000 $17,300 - $57,500 +22%
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)
$14,700 - $44,100 $10,800 - $32,300 +36%
Total Estimated Cost $74,000 - $276,000 $67,000 - $243,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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