Auto Body Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Ann Arbor, MI vs Chicago, IL

Ann Arbor, MI

$41,000 - $238,000

COL Index: 108

VS

Chicago, IL

$56,000 - $326,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Ann Arbor, MI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$24,300 - $146,100 $39,100 - $234,800 -38%
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)
$8,100 - $32,400 $8,100 - $32,300 Same
Total Estimated Cost $41,000 - $238,000 $56,000 - $326,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Ann Arbor Chicago
Cost of Living Index 108 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $38 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.05 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.33/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $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