Plumbing Startup Cost Comparison

Lexington, KY vs Chicago, IL

Lexington, KY

$16,000 - $90,000

COL Index: 91.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$21,000 - $97,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Lexington, KY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Plumbing License
$1,300 - $6,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -56%
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)
$2,700 - $13,700 $3,200 - $16,200 -15%
Total Estimated Cost $16,000 - $90,000 $21,000 - $97,000 -10%

Local Market Factors

Factor Lexington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 91.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $40 $150

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