Pharmacy Startup Cost Comparison

Riverside, CA vs Chicago, IL

Riverside, CA

$274,000 - $1,419,000

COL Index: 112.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$323,000 - $1,710,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Riverside, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & DEA Registration
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,600 - $20,000 -2%
Retail Space & Build-Out
$50,000 - $300,000 $97,800 - $587,000 -49%
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
$19,600 - $78,400 $23,000 - $92,000 -15%
Marketing & Launch
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$56,400 - $225,600 $53,900 - $215,600 +5%
Total Estimated Cost $274,000 - $1,419,000 $323,000 - $1,710,000 -17%

Local Market Factors

Factor Riverside Chicago
Cost of Living Index 112.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 8.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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