Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison
Charlotte, NC vs Chicago, IL
Charlotte, NC
$28,000 - $168,000
COL Index: 98.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $207,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charlotte, NC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $6,200 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -54% |
|
Land Lease or Property
|
$6,300 - $50,400 | $9,800 - $78,300 | -36% |
|
Initial Plant Inventory
|
$5,000 - $35,000 | $5,000 - $35,000 | Same |
|
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
|
$4,900 - $29,400 | $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)
|
$4,900 - $19,600 | $5,400 - $21,600 | -9% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $28,000 - $168,000 | $37,000 - $207,000 | -20% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charlotte | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $42 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.98 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7.25% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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