Amazon FBA Business Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$13,000 - $101,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$12,000 - $73,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $5,600 - $10,900 +131%
Amazon Seller Account & Fees
$200 - $1,000 $200 - $1,000 Same
Initial Product Inventory
$1,000 - $20,000 $1,000 - $20,000 Same
Product Research & Development
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Branding & Packaging
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Shipping to Amazon Warehouses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Amazon PPC & Marketing
$1,000 - $10,000 $1,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,000 - $22,900 $2,200 - $16,200 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $13,000 - $101,000 $12,000 - $73,000 +34%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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