Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Rochester, MN vs Los Angeles, CA

Rochester, MN

$49,000 - $261,000

COL Index: 101.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$69,000 - $361,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Rochester, MN Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$800 - $4,000 $4,000 - $14,400 -74%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$4,800 - $25,800 $12,500 - $67,500 -62%
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
$10,000 - $80,000 $13,500 - $108,000 -26%
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)
$8,100 - $30,500 $13,300 - $50,000 -39%
Total Estimated Cost $49,000 - $261,000 $69,000 - $361,000 -28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Rochester Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 101.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $30 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1 1.35
Sales Tax 7.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $10.85/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $70

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