Plumbing Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$22,000 - $125,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$21,000 - $97,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Plumbing License
$5,800 - $32,300 $5,600 - $10,900 +131%
Service Vehicle
$5,000 - $35,000 $5,000 - $35,000 Same
Plumbing Tools & Equipment
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Parts & Supplies Inventory
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $7,000 $2,000 - $7,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$1,000 - $8,000 $1,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$4,600 - $22,900 $3,200 - $16,200 +42%
Total Estimated Cost $22,000 - $125,000 $21,000 - $97,000 +25%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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