Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Chicago, IL

Irvine, CA

$39,000 - $230,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $11,100 $5,600 - $10,900 -16%
Land Lease or Property
$9,800 - $78,300 $9,800 - $78,300 Same
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$7,100 - $42,600 $5,800 - $34,500 +23%
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)
$8,900 - $35,700 $5,400 - $21,600 +65%
Total Estimated Cost $39,000 - $230,000 $37,000 - $207,000 +10%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 178.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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