Aquaponics Farm Startup Cost Comparison

Milwaukee, WI vs Chicago, IL

Milwaukee, WI

$16,000 - $131,000

COL Index: 95.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$23,000 - $150,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Milwaukee, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$900 - $4,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -70%
Aquaponics System & Tanks
$5,000 - $50,000 $5,000 - $50,000 Same
Greenhouse or Growing Structure
$4,600 - $36,800 $5,800 - $46,000 -20%
Fish Stock & Feed
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Seeds, Seedlings & Growing Supplies
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Water Quality Monitoring & Controls
$1,000 - $8,000 $1,000 - $8,000 Same
Insurance & Marketing
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$2,900 - $19,200 $3,200 - $21,600 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $16,000 - $131,000 $23,000 - $150,000 -15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Milwaukee Chicago
Cost of Living Index 95.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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