Brewery Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Clara, CA vs Chicago, IL

Santa Clara, CA

$355,000 - $1,989,000

COL Index: 188.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$279,000 - $1,594,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Clara, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$192,400 - $1,154,300 $146,700 - $880,400 +31%
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)
$70,600 - $282,300 $40,400 - $161,700 +75%
Total Estimated Cost $355,000 - $1,989,000 $279,000 - $1,594,000 +25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Clara Chicago
Cost of Living Index 188.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $78 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $17.75/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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