Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Boulder, CO vs Chicago, IL

Boulder, CO

$79,000 - $1,332,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boulder, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,200 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Manufacturing Space
$20,200 - $404,300 $19,600 - $391,300 +3%
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
$6,600 - $66,000 $5,800 - $57,500 +15%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$22,200 - $296,400 $16,200 - $215,600 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $79,000 - $1,332,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 +8%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boulder Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.15
Sales Tax 9.045% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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