Auto Body Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Albany, NY vs Chicago, IL

Albany, NY

$30,000 - $171,000

COL Index: 93.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$56,000 - $326,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Albany, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$13,900 - $83,500 $39,100 - $234,800 -64%
Initial Supplies & Inventory
$7,500 - $45,000 $7,500 - $45,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $6,000 $500 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$7,000 - $28,100 $8,100 - $32,300 -13%
Total Estimated Cost $30,000 - $171,000 $56,000 - $326,000 -47%

Local Market Factors

Factor Albany Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.94 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

Ready to Start Your Auto Body Shop?

Start your Auto Body Shop LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

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

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee