Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison
Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
$88,000 - $1,434,000
COL Index: 152.4
VS
Chicago, IL
$75,000 - $1,229,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Boston, MA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Licensing & Compliance
|
$5,800 - $32,300 | $5,600 - $15,000 | +85% |
|
Manufacturing Space
|
$23,900 - $478,300 | $19,600 - $391,300 | +22% |
|
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
|
$6,900 - $69,000 | $5,800 - $57,500 | +20% |
|
Sales & Distribution
|
$3,000 - $20,000 | $3,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
|
$22,900 - $304,800 | $16,200 - $215,600 | +41% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $88,000 - $1,434,000 | $75,000 - $1,229,000 | +17% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Boston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 152.4 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $30 - $80 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.38 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.00/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $500 | $150 |
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