Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison
New York, NY vs Chicago, IL
New York, NY
$445,000 - $2,349,000
COL Index: 187.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$323,000 - $1,710,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | New York, NY | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Licensing & DEA Registration
|
$5,300 - $20,000 | $5,600 - $20,000 | -1% |
|
Retail Space & Build-Out
|
$173,900 - $1,043,500 | $97,800 - $587,000 | +78% |
|
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
|
$29,000 - $116,000 | $23,000 - $92,000 | +26% |
|
Marketing & Launch
|
$5,000 - $20,000 | $5,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$93,600 - $374,400 | $53,900 - $215,600 | +74% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $445,000 - $2,349,000 | $323,000 - $1,710,000 | +37% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 187.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/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 |
View Full Details
Ready to Start Your Pharmacy?
File your Pharmacy LLC online and pay only the state fee on the basic plan.
Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot · Registered agent service sold separately