Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Helena, MT vs Los Angeles, CA
Helena, MT
$47,000 - $245,000
COL Index: 98.5
VS
Los Angeles, CA
$69,000 - $361,000
COL Index: 166.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Helena, MT | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,100 - $4,300 | $4,000 - $14,400 | -71% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$3,300 - $17,600 | $12,500 - $67,500 | -74% |
|
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 | $13,500 - $108,000 | -33% |
|
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 | $13,300 - $50,000 | -41% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $47,000 - $245,000 | $69,000 - $361,000 | -32% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Helena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 98.5 | 166.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $10 - $20 | $30 - $85 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.9 | 1.35 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 9.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr | $16.78/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $70 |
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