Auto Body Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Bellevue, WA vs Chicago, IL

Bellevue, WA

$65,000 - $371,000

COL Index: 168.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$56,000 - $326,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Bellevue, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$43,500 - $260,900 $39,100 - $234,800 +11%
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)
$12,600 - $50,600 $8,100 - $32,300 +56%
Total Estimated Cost $65,000 - $371,000 $56,000 - $326,000 +14%

Local Market Factors

Factor Bellevue Chicago
Cost of Living Index 168.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.28/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $180 $150

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