Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Jacksonville, FL vs Chicago, IL

Jacksonville, FL

$49,000 - $257,000

COL Index: 96.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$61,000 - $309,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Jacksonville, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -54%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$5,400 - $29,300 $9,800 - $52,800 -45%
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)
$7,700 - $28,900 $8,600 - $32,300 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $49,000 - $257,000 $61,000 - $309,000 -17%

Local Market Factors

Factor Jacksonville Chicago
Cost of Living Index 96.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $15 - $35 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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