Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Baltimore, MD vs Chicago, IL

Baltimore, MD

$64,000 - $1,078,000

COL Index: 108.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Baltimore, MD Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Manufacturing Space
$12,200 - $243,500 $19,600 - $391,300 -38%
Manufacturing Equipment
$15,000 - $400,000 $15,000 - $400,000 Same
Initial Raw Materials
$5,000 - $100,000 $5,000 - $100,000 Same
Insurance & Compliance
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Production Staff & Training
$5,300 - $52,500 $5,800 - $57,500 -9%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$16,300 - $217,000 $16,200 - $215,600 +1%
Total Estimated Cost $64,000 - $1,078,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 -12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Baltimore Chicago
Cost of Living Index 108.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.05 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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