Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Riverside, CA vs Chicago, IL

Riverside, CA

$27,000 - $160,000

COL Index: 112.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Riverside, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,600 - $6,300 $5,600 - $10,900 -52%
Land Lease or Property
$5,000 - $40,000 $9,800 - $78,300 -49%
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)
$5,600 - $22,600 $5,400 - $21,600 +4%
Total Estimated Cost $27,000 - $160,000 $37,000 - $207,000 -23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Riverside Chicago
Cost of Living Index 112.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 8.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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