Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Los Angeles, CA

Philadelphia, PA

$58,000 - $316,000

COL Index: 114.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$69,000 - $361,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Philadelphia, PA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,600 - $26,600 $4,000 - $14,400 +64%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$8,200 - $44,000 $12,500 - $67,500 -35%
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
$11,200 - $89,600 $13,500 - $108,000 -17%
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)
$9,200 - $34,400 $13,300 - $50,000 -31%
Total Estimated Cost $58,000 - $316,000 $69,000 - $361,000 -13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Philadelphia Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 114.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $55 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.35
Sales Tax 8% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $70

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