Pet Store Startup Cost Comparison

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Chicago, IL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$59,000 - $306,000

COL Index: 120.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$64,000 - $325,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fort Lauderdale, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $7,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -42%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,100 - $68,500 $11,700 - $88,000 -22%
Initial Inventory
$15,000 - $60,000 $15,000 - $60,000 Same
Store Build-Out & Fixtures
$11,400 - $74,100 $11,500 - $74,800 -1%
Specialized Equipment
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$12,000 - $48,200 $10,800 - $43,100 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $59,000 - $306,000 $64,000 - $325,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fort Lauderdale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 120.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $48 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.14 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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