Manufacturing Business Startup Cost Comparison

St. Paul, MN vs Chicago, IL

St. Paul, MN

$61,000 - $1,034,000

COL Index: 104.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$75,000 - $1,229,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense St. Paul, MN Chicago, IL Difference
Licensing & Compliance
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Manufacturing Space
$10,400 - $208,700 $19,600 - $391,300 -47%
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
$5,100 - $51,000 $5,800 - $57,500 -11%
Sales & Distribution
$3,000 - $20,000 $3,000 - $20,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$15,700 - $209,000 $16,200 - $215,600 -3%
Total Estimated Cost $61,000 - $1,034,000 $75,000 - $1,229,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor St. Paul Chicago
Cost of Living Index 104.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $34 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.15
Sales Tax 8.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.57/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $150

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