Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Oakland, CA vs Chicago, IL

Oakland, CA

$82,000 - $1,359,000

COL Index: 160.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Oakland, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,800 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -14%
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
$6,900 - $69,000 $5,800 - $57,500 +20%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$24,100 - $321,000 $16,200 - $215,600 +49%
Total Estimated Cost $82,000 - $1,359,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 +11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Oakland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 160.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

Ready to Start Your Manufacturing Business?

Start your Manufacturing Business LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee