Painting Startup Cost Comparison

Norfolk, VA vs Chicago, IL

Norfolk, VA

$10,000 - $55,000

COL Index: 97.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$14,000 - $60,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Norfolk, VA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,400 - $7,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -42%
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)
$2,000 - $9,800 $2,200 - $10,800 -9%
Total Estimated Cost $10,000 - $55,000 $14,000 - $60,000 -12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Norfolk Chicago
Cost of Living Index 97.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $26 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.96 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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