Oil Change Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Milwaukee, WI vs Chicago, IL

Milwaukee, WI

$41,000 - $221,000

COL Index: 95.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$55,000 - $288,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Milwaukee, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$900 - $4,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -70%
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,500 - $45,000 $14,700 - $88,000 -49%
Service Equipment
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Initial Oil & Fluid Inventory
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Facility Build-Out
$7,400 - $55,200 $9,200 - $69,000 -20%
Waste Oil Management System
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,500 - $10,000 $2,500 - $10,000 Same
Marketing & Signage
$1,500 - $8,000 $1,500 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$5,700 - $24,000 $6,500 - $27,000 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $41,000 - $221,000 $55,000 - $288,000 -24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Milwaukee Chicago
Cost of Living Index 95.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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