Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$47,000 - $189,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$43,000 - $165,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
$2,800 - $12,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -9%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,800 - $39,100 $7,000 - $35,200 +11%
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
$11,200 - $49,000 $9,200 - $40,300 +22%
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)
$11,800 - $36,800 $8,600 - $27,000 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $47,000 - $189,000 $43,000 - $165,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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