Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA

$42,000 - $250,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $5,600 - $10,900 +12%
Land Lease or Property
$12,500 - $100,000 $9,800 - $78,300 +28%
Initial Plant Inventory
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
$6,800 - $40,500 $5,800 - $34,500 +17%
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)
$8,300 - $33,300 $5,400 - $21,600 +54%
Total Estimated Cost $42,000 - $250,000 $37,000 - $207,000 +20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles Chicago
Cost of Living Index 166.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.35 1.15
Sales Tax 9.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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