Electrical Startup Cost Comparison

Durham, NC vs Chicago, IL

Durham, NC

$18,000 - $95,000

COL Index: 102.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$22,000 - $100,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Durham, NC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Electrical License
$1,400 - $6,300 $5,600 - $10,900 -53%
Service Vehicle
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Electrical Tools & Equipment
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Parts & Supplies Inventory
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Business Insurance & Bonding (Annual)
$3,000 - $10,000 $3,000 - $10,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,100 - $15,400 $3,200 - $16,200 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $18,000 - $95,000 $22,000 - $100,000 -7%

Local Market Factors

Factor Durham Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.04 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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