Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Helena, MT vs Chicago, IL
Helena, MT
$47,000 - $245,000
COL Index: 98.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$61,000 - $309,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Helena, MT | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,100 - $4,300 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -67% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$3,300 - $17,600 | $9,800 - $52,800 | -67% |
|
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
|
$9,000 - $72,000 | $11,500 - $92,000 | -22% |
|
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 - $29,600 | $8,600 - $32,300 | -8% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $47,000 - $245,000 | $61,000 - $309,000 | -21% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Helena | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 98.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $10 - $20 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.9 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $150 |
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