Distillery Startup Cost Comparison

Arlington, VA vs Chicago, IL

Arlington, VA

$120,000 - $1,112,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$114,000 - $1,072,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Arlington, VA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$58,700 - $587,000 $58,700 - $587,000 Same
Equipment & Fixtures
$25,000 - $250,000 $25,000 - $250,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$10,000 - $100,000 $10,000 - $100,000 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)
$22,200 - $148,200 $16,200 - $107,800 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $120,000 - $1,112,000 $114,000 - $1,072,000 +4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Arlington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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