Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs New York, NY

Chicago, IL

$323,000 - $1,710,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

New York, NY

$445,000 - $2,349,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL New York, NY Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,600 - $20,000 $5,300 - $20,000 +1%
Retail Space & Build-Out
$97,800 - $587,000 $173,900 - $1,043,500 -44%
Initial Inventory
$100,000 - $600,000 $100,000 - $600,000 Same
Pharmacy Equipment & Technology
$30,000 - $150,000 $30,000 - $150,000 Same
Insurance & Bonding
$8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000 Same
Initial Staffing & Training
$23,000 - $92,000 $29,000 - $116,000 -21%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$53,900 - $215,600 $93,600 - $374,400 -42%
Total Estimated Cost $323,000 - $1,710,000 $445,000 - $2,349,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

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

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