Pawn Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Oakland, CA vs Chicago, IL

Oakland, CA

$61,000 - $236,000

COL Index: 160.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$56,000 - $220,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Oakland, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$40,400 - $161,700 $39,100 - $156,500 +3%
Initial Supplies & Inventory
$7,500 - $30,000 $7,500 - $30,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $4,000 $500 - $4,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$12,000 - $32,100 $8,100 - $21,600 +48%
Total Estimated Cost $61,000 - $236,000 $56,000 - $220,000 +8%

Local Market Factors

Factor Oakland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 160.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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