Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Chicago, IL

Irvine, CA

$84,000 - $1,384,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,800 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -14%
Manufacturing Space
$19,600 - $391,300 $19,600 - $391,300 Same
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
$7,100 - $71,000 $5,800 - $57,500 +23%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$26,800 - $357,000 $16,200 - $215,600 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $84,000 - $1,384,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 178.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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