Ice Cream Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Clara, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Santa Clara, CA

$73,000 - $385,000

COL Index: 188.2

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$69,000 - $361,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Clara, CA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,100 - $16,900 $4,000 - $14,400 +14%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$12,800 - $69,300 $12,500 - $67,500 +3%
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
$15,200 - $121,600 $13,500 - $108,000 +13%
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)
$15,100 - $56,500 $13,300 - $50,000 +13%
Total Estimated Cost $73,000 - $385,000 $69,000 - $361,000 +7%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Clara Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 188.2 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $78 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.35
Sales Tax 9.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $17.75/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $70

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