Brewery Startup Cost Comparison

Burlington, VT vs Chicago, IL

Burlington, VT

$210,000 - $1,176,000

COL Index: 115.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$279,000 - $1,594,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Burlington, VT Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$75,000 - $450,000 $146,700 - $880,400 -49%
Equipment & Fixtures
$62,500 - $375,000 $62,500 - $375,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$25,000 - $150,000 $25,000 - $150,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$43,400 - $173,700 $40,400 - $161,700 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $210,000 - $1,176,000 $279,000 - $1,594,000 -26%

Local Market Factors

Factor Burlington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 115.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $30 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.04 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.01/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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