Brewery Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

New York, NY

$423,000 - $2,398,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$279,000 - $1,594,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$260,900 - $1,565,200 $146,700 - $880,400 +78%
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)
$70,200 - $280,800 $40,400 - $161,700 +74%
Total Estimated Cost $423,000 - $2,398,000 $279,000 - $1,594,000 +51%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Chicago
Cost of Living Index 187.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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