Liquor Store Startup Cost Comparison

Madison, WI vs Chicago, IL

Madison, WI

$85,000 - $328,000

COL Index: 102.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$114,000 - $445,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Madison, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Commercial Space & Build-Out
$30,000 - $120,000 $58,700 - $234,800 -49%
Equipment & Fixtures
$25,000 - $100,000 $25,000 - $100,000 Same
Initial Inventory & Supplies
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 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)
$15,400 - $41,000 $16,200 - $43,100 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $85,000 - $328,000 $114,000 - $445,000 -26%

Local Market Factors

Factor Madison Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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