Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$82,000 - $1,364,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,800 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -14%
Manufacturing Space
$21,700 - $434,800 $19,600 - $391,300 +11%
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
$7,000 - $70,000 $5,800 - $57,500 +22%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$22,100 - $294,200 $16,200 - $215,600 +36%
Total Estimated Cost $82,000 - $1,364,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 +11%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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