Landscaping Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

$18,000 - $102,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$18,000 - $86,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,200 - $18,500 $5,600 - $10,900 +38%
Truck & Trailer
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Mowers, Trimmers & Tools
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Initial Fuel & Equipment Maintenance
$500 - $2,000 $500 - $2,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$3,600 - $21,600 $2,200 - $12,900 +67%
Total Estimated Cost $18,000 - $102,000 $18,000 - $86,000 +15%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Chicago
Cost of Living Index 179.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 8.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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