Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs New York, NY

Chicago, IL

$114,000 - $445,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

New York, NY

$172,000 - $659,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$58,700 - $234,800 $104,300 - $417,400 -44%
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)
$16,200 - $43,100 $28,100 - $74,900 -42%
Total Estimated Cost $114,000 - $445,000 $172,000 - $659,000 -33%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago New York
Cost of Living Index 107.8 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.45
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $200

Ready to Start Your Liquor Store?

Start your Liquor Store LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee