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

Milwaukee, WI vs New York, NY

Milwaukee, WI

$78,000 - $307,000

COL Index: 95.8

New York, NY

$129,000 - $518,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense	Milwaukee, WI	New York, NY	Difference
Business Registration & Licenses	$900 - $5,000	$5,300 - $17,100	-74%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)	$9,000 - $45,000	$31,300 - $156,500	-71%
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	$18,400 - $73,600	$29,000 - $116,000	-37%
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)	$14,400 - $47,900	$28,100 - $93,600	-49%
Total Estimated Cost	$78,000 - $307,000	$129,000 - $518,000	-40%

Local Market Factors

Factor	Milwaukee	New York
Cost of Living Index	95.8	187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr)	$14 - $32	$40 - $120
Labor Rate Index	0.92	1.45
Sales Tax	5.5%	8.875%
Minimum Wage	$7.25/hr	$16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee	$130	$200

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