Consulting Business Startup Cost Comparison

Boulder, CO vs Chicago, IL

Boulder, CO

$12,000 - $78,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$14,000 - $72,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boulder, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Formation
$2,200 - $8,900 $5,600 - $10,900 -33%
Professional Licenses & Certifications
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Home Office Setup
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Technology & Software
$1,500 - $6,000 $1,500 - $6,000 Same
Website & Branding
$500 - $8,000 $500 - $8,000 Same
Professional Liability Insurance
$800 - $5,000 $800 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Client Acquisition
$1,000 - $10,000 $1,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 months)
$4,400 - $29,600 $3,200 - $21,600 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $12,000 - $78,000 $14,000 - $72,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boulder Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.15
Sales Tax 9.045% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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