Farm Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$57,000 - $795,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$54,000 - $715,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -9%
Land Purchase or Lease
$10,900 - $434,800 $9,800 - $391,300 +11%
Farm Equipment & Machinery
$15,000 - $120,000 $15,000 - $120,000 Same
Seeds, Plants, or Livestock
$2,000 - $30,000 $2,000 - $30,000 Same
Structures & Fencing
$7,000 - $84,000 $5,800 - $69,000 +22%
Irrigation System
$3,000 - $30,000 $3,000 - $30,000 Same
Farm Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (6 Months)
$14,700 - $73,600 $10,800 - $53,900 +36%
Total Estimated Cost $57,000 - $795,000 $54,000 - $715,000 +11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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