Carpentry Business Startup Cost Comparison

Wilmington, NC vs Chicago, IL

Wilmington, NC

$19,000 - $96,000

COL Index: 99.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$24,000 - $113,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Wilmington, NC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,100 $5,600 - $10,900 -55%
Power Tools & Hand Tools
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Work Vehicle & Trailer
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Workshop or Shop Space
$900 - $9,100 $2,000 - $19,600 -54%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Initial Materials & Supplies
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Marketing & Portfolio
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,200 - $16,200 -7%
Total Estimated Cost $19,000 - $96,000 $24,000 - $113,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor Wilmington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 99.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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