How much does it cost to open a small restaurant?

A small restaurant (under 2,000 sq ft) typically costs $75,000 to $150,000 to open, including lease deposits, equipment, permits, and initial inventory. Costs vary significantly by location.

What is the most expensive part of opening a restaurant?

Kitchen equipment and interior build-out are usually the largest expenses, often accounting for 40-60% of total startup costs.

Can I open a restaurant with $50,000?

It's possible with a very small space, used equipment, and a location with low commercial rents. Food trucks ($50K-$100K) are a more realistic option at this budget.

Restaurant Startup Cost Comparison

Chula Vista, CA vs Miami, FL

Chula Vista, CA

$91,000 - $358,000

COL Index: 132.5

Miami, FL

$96,000 - $383,000

COL Index: 128.3

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense	Chula Vista, CA	Miami, FL	Difference
Business Registration & Licenses	$2,000 - $7,500	$2,600 - $9,500	-21%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)	$12,100 - $60,700	$17,600 - $88,000	-31%
Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures	$25,000 - $100,000	$25,000 - $100,000	Same
Initial Food & Beverage Inventory	$5,000 - $15,000	$5,000 - $15,000	Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation	$22,000 - $88,000	$21,600 - $86,400	+2%
Business Insurance (Annual)	$3,000 - $10,000	$3,000 - $10,000	Same
Marketing & Grand Opening	$2,000 - $10,000	$2,000 - $10,000	Same
Working Capital (3 Months)	$19,900 - $66,300	$19,200 - $64,200	+3%
Total Estimated Cost	$91,000 - $358,000	$96,000 - $383,000	-6%

Local Market Factors

Factor	Chula Vista	Miami
Cost of Living Index	132.5	128.3
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr)	$20 - $42	$25 - $65
Labor Rate Index	1.1	1.08
Sales Tax	8.75%	7%
Minimum Wage	$16.00/hr	$13.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee	$70	$125

View Full Details

Ready to Start Your Restaurant?

Start your Restaurant LLC in — free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses · Excellent rating on Trustpilot