Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Madison, WI vs Chicago, IL

Madison, WI

$60,000 - $1,019,000

COL Index: 102.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Madison, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Manufacturing Space
$10,000 - $200,000 $19,600 - $391,300 -49%
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
$4,900 - $49,000 $5,800 - $57,500 -15%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$15,400 - $205,000 $16,200 - $215,600 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $60,000 - $1,019,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 -17%

Local Market Factors

Factor Madison Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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