Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Columbus, OH vs Chicago, IL

Columbus, OH

$86,000 - $334,000

COL Index: 96.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$114,000 - $445,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Columbus, OH Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$32,000 - $127,800 $58,700 - $234,800 -46%
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)
$14,500 - $38,700 $16,200 - $43,100 -10%
Total Estimated Cost $86,000 - $334,000 $114,000 - $445,000 -25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Columbus Chicago
Cost of Living Index 96.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $35 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.45/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $150

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