Meal Prep Business Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs New York, NY

San Diego, CA

$25,000 - $122,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

New York, NY

$31,000 - $145,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $17,700 $5,300 - $17,100 -3%
Commercial Kitchen Access
$6,700 - $33,600 $10,400 - $52,200 -36%
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)
$6,400 - $28,800 $7,500 - $33,700 -15%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $122,000 $31,000 - $145,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego New York
Cost of Living Index 160.2 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.45
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $200

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