Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Charlotte, NC vs Chicago, IL
Charlotte, NC
$51,000 - $269,000
COL Index: 98.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$61,000 - $309,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charlotte, NC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $6,200 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -54% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$6,300 - $34,000 | $9,800 - $52,800 | -36% |
|
Ice Cream Equipment & Fixtures
|
$20,000 - $100,000 | $20,000 - $100,000 | Same |
|
Initial Ingredients & Supplies
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Interior Build-Out & Design
|
$9,800 - $78,400 | $11,500 - $92,000 | -15% |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$1,500 - $5,000 | $1,500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Grand Opening
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$7,900 - $29,500 | $8,600 - $32,300 | -9% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $51,000 - $269,000 | $61,000 - $309,000 | -14% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charlotte | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $42 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.98 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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