Plumbing Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Chicago, IL

Sunnyvale, CA

$22,000 - $117,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$21,000 - $97,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Plumbing License
$4,100 - $18,100 $5,600 - $10,900 +35%
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)
$5,800 - $28,900 $3,200 - $16,200 +79%
Total Estimated Cost $22,000 - $117,000 $21,000 - $97,000 +18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 192.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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