Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Boulder, CO vs Chicago, IL

Boulder, CO

$36,000 - $221,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boulder, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,200 - $8,900 $5,600 - $10,900 -33%
Land Lease or Property
$10,100 - $80,900 $9,800 - $78,300 +3%
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$6,600 - $39,600 $5,800 - $34,500 +15%
Irrigation System
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Equipment & Supplies
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Marketing & Signage
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$7,400 - $29,600 $5,400 - $21,600 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $36,000 - $221,000 $37,000 - $207,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boulder Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.15
Sales Tax 9.045% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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