Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Clarksville, TN vs Chicago, IL

Clarksville, TN

$46,000 - $238,000

COL Index: 88.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$61,000 - $309,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Clarksville, TN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,300 - $4,400 $5,600 - $10,900 -65%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,700 - $20,000 $9,800 - $52,800 -62%
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
$8,300 - $66,400 $11,500 - $92,000 -28%
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)
$7,100 - $26,500 $8,600 - $32,300 -18%
Total Estimated Cost $46,000 - $238,000 $61,000 - $309,000 -23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Clarksville Chicago
Cost of Living Index 88.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.83 1.15
Sales Tax 9.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $150

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