Meal Prep Business Startup Cost Comparison
Gary, IN vs Chicago, IL
Gary, IN
$13,000 - $68,000
COL Index: 81.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$24,000 - $102,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Gary, IN | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$700 - $2,600 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -80% |
|
Commercial Kitchen Access
|
$1,600 - $8,200 | $5,900 - $29,300 | -72% |
|
Kitchen Equipment & Supplies
|
$3,000 - $20,000 | $3,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Initial Food Inventory
|
$1,000 - $5,000 | $1,000 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Packaging & Labeling
|
$800 - $4,000 | $800 - $4,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$1,500 - $5,000 | $1,500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Customer Acquisition
|
$1,500 - $8,000 | $1,500 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$3,300 - $14,700 | $4,300 - $19,400 | -24% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $13,000 - $68,000 | $24,000 - $102,000 | -36% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Gary | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 81.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $7 - $18 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.75 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $95 | $150 |
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