Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

Denver, CO

$32,000 - $197,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Denver, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,100 - $9,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -32%
Land Lease or Property
$8,400 - $67,000 $9,800 - $78,300 -14%
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$5,900 - $35,400 $5,800 - $34,500 +2%
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)
$5,900 - $23,700 $5,400 - $21,600 +10%
Total Estimated Cost $32,000 - $197,000 $37,000 - $207,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Denver Chicago
Cost of Living Index 118.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.18 1.15
Sales Tax 8.81% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.29/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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