Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Appleton, WI vs Chicago, IL

Appleton, WI

$75,000 - $292,000

COL Index: 90.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$114,000 - $445,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Appleton, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$22,200 - $88,700 $58,700 - $234,800 -62%
Equipment & Fixtures
$25,000 - $100,000 $25,000 - $100,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$13,600 - $36,200 $16,200 - $43,100 -16%
Total Estimated Cost $75,000 - $292,000 $114,000 - $445,000 -34%

Local Market Factors

Factor Appleton Chicago
Cost of Living Index 90.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.85 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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