Plant Nursery Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Ana, CA vs Chicago, IL

Santa Ana, CA

$33,000 - $194,000

COL Index: 138.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Ana, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,100 - $7,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -42%
Land Lease or Property
$7,600 - $60,900 $9,800 - $78,300 -22%
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)
$6,900 - $27,700 $5,400 - $21,600 +28%
Total Estimated Cost $33,000 - $194,000 $37,000 - $207,000 -7%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Ana Chicago
Cost of Living Index 138.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $48 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.18 1.15
Sales Tax 9.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

Ready to Start Your Plant Nursery?

Start your Plant Nursery LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee