Painting Startup Cost Comparison

Cincinnati, OH vs Chicago, IL

Cincinnati, OH

$9,000 - $51,000

COL Index: 93.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$14,000 - $60,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Cincinnati, OH Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$800 - $4,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -71%
Work Vehicle
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Painting Equipment & Tools
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Initial Paint & Supplies
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$1,900 - $9,400 $2,200 - $10,800 -13%
Total Estimated Cost $9,000 - $51,000 $14,000 - $60,000 -19%

Local Market Factors

Factor Cincinnati Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.92 1.15
Sales Tax 7.8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.45/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $150

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