Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY

$78,000 - $404,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$69,000 - $361,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,300 - $17,100 $4,000 - $14,400 +22%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$17,400 - $93,900 $12,500 - $67,500 +39%
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
$14,500 - $116,000 $13,500 - $108,000 +7%
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)
$15,000 - $56,200 $13,300 - $50,000 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $78,000 - $404,000 $69,000 - $361,000 +12%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 187.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.35
Sales Tax 8.875% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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