Greenhouse Business Startup Cost Comparison

Columbia, SC vs Chicago, IL

Columbia, SC

$23,000 - $186,000

COL Index: 92.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$31,000 - $216,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Columbia, SC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,100 - $5,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -63%
Greenhouse Structure & Installation
$7,200 - $72,000 $9,200 - $92,000 -22%
Heating, Cooling & Ventilation
$3,000 - $25,000 $3,000 - $25,000 Same
Growing Systems & Benches
$2,000 - $20,000 $2,000 - $20,000 Same
Irrigation & Fertigation
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Seeds, Plugs & Growing Supplies
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Insurance & Marketing
$1,500 - $6,000 $1,500 - $6,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$4,600 - $27,700 $5,400 - $32,300 -14%
Total Estimated Cost $23,000 - $186,000 $31,000 - $216,000 -15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Columbia Chicago
Cost of Living Index 92.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $110 $150

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