Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Charleston, WV vs Los Angeles, CA

Charleston, WV

$51,000 - $871,000

COL Index: 80.4

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$89,000 - $1,466,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Charleston, WV Los Angeles, CA Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,000 - $15,000 $4,000 - $15,000 -11%
Manufacturing Space
$5,200 - $104,300 $25,000 - $500,000 -79%
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
$4,100 - $41,000 $6,800 - $67,500 -39%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$12,100 - $160,800 $25,000 - $333,000 -52%
Total Estimated Cost $51,000 - $871,000 $89,000 - $1,466,000 -41%

Local Market Factors

Factor Charleston Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 80.4 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $16 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 0.82 1.35
Sales Tax 7% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $8.75/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $70

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