Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Carlsbad, CA vs Chicago, IL

Carlsbad, CA

$37,000 - $221,000

COL Index: 155.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Carlsbad, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,300 - $14,200 $5,600 - $10,900 +6%
Land Lease or Property
$9,300 - $74,800 $9,800 - $78,300 -5%
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$6,500 - $39,000 $5,800 - $34,500 +13%
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)
$7,800 - $31,100 $5,400 - $21,600 +44%
Total Estimated Cost $37,000 - $221,000 $37,000 - $207,000 +6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Carlsbad Chicago
Cost of Living Index 155.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $58 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.15
Sales Tax 8.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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