Brewery Startup Cost Comparison
Houston, TX vs Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
$231,000 - $1,313,000
COL Index: 96.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$279,000 - $1,594,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Houston, TX | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$500 - $5,000 | $500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Commercial Space & Build-Out
|
$102,700 - $616,300 | $146,700 - $880,400 | -30% |
|
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)
|
$36,200 - $144,800 | $40,400 - $161,700 | -10% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $231,000 - $1,313,000 | $279,000 - $1,594,000 | -18% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Houston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 96.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $18 - $45 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.92 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $300 | $150 |
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