Brewery Startup Cost Comparison

St. Paul, MN vs Chicago, IL

St. Paul, MN

$210,000 - $1,178,000

COL Index: 104.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$279,000 - $1,594,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense St. Paul, MN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$78,300 - $469,600 $146,700 - $880,400 -47%
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)
$39,200 - $156,800 $40,400 - $161,700 -3%
Total Estimated Cost $210,000 - $1,178,000 $279,000 - $1,594,000 -26%

Local Market Factors

Factor St. Paul Chicago
Cost of Living Index 104.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $34 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.15
Sales Tax 8.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.57/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $150

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