Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

New York, NY

$57,000 - $229,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$43,000 - $165,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
$5,300 - $17,100 $5,600 - $10,900 +36%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$12,500 - $62,600 $7,000 - $35,200 +78%
Nail Stations & Equipment
$8,000 - $35,000 $8,000 - $35,000 Same
Initial Products & Supplies
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$11,600 - $50,800 $9,200 - $40,300 +26%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$1,500 - $6,000 $1,500 - $6,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$15,000 - $46,800 $8,600 - $27,000 +74%
Total Estimated Cost $57,000 - $229,000 $43,000 - $165,000 +38%

Local Market Factors

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

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