Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison
San Diego, CA vs Chicago, IL
San Diego, CA
$40,000 - $240,000
COL Index: 160.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $207,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | San Diego, CA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$4,000 - $17,700 | $5,600 - $10,900 | +32% |
|
Land Lease or Property
|
$11,200 - $89,600 | $9,800 - $78,300 | +14% |
|
Initial Plant Inventory
|
$5,000 - $35,000 | $5,000 - $35,000 | Same |
|
Shade Houses, Hoop Houses & Retail Building
|
$6,500 - $39,000 | $5,800 - $34,500 | +13% |
|
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)
|
$8,000 - $32,000 | $5,400 - $21,600 | +48% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $40,000 - $240,000 | $37,000 - $207,000 | +15% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | San Diego | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 160.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $28 - $75 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.3 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7.75% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $16.85/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $150 |
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