Meal Prep Business Startup Cost Comparison
Missoula, MT vs Chicago, IL
Missoula, MT
$17,000 - $82,000
COL Index: 108.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$24,000 - $102,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Missoula, MT | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,600 - $6,600 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -50% |
|
Commercial Kitchen Access
|
$2,900 - $14,300 | $5,900 - $29,300 | -51% |
|
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)
|
$4,300 - $19,500 | $4,300 - $19,400 | Same |
| Total Estimated Cost | $17,000 - $82,000 | $24,000 - $102,000 | -21% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Missoula | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 108.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $14 - $30 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.95 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $150 |
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