Painting Startup Cost Comparison

Madison, WI vs Chicago, IL

Madison, WI

$9,000 - $53,000

COL Index: 102.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$14,000 - $60,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Madison, WI Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$900 - $4,600 $5,600 - $10,900 -67%
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)
$2,100 - $10,300 $2,200 - $10,800 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $9,000 - $53,000 $14,000 - $60,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor Madison Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 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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