Roofing Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Chicago, IL

Philadelphia, PA

$29,000 - $166,000

COL Index: 114.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$31,000 - $148,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Philadelphia, PA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Roofing License
$3,600 - $26,600 $5,600 - $10,900 +83%
Work Truck & Trailer
$8,000 - $45,000 $8,000 - $45,000 Same
Roofing Tools & Safety Equipment
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Initial Materials Inventory
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Business Insurance & Bonding (Annual)
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$5,700 - $34,400 $5,400 - $32,300 +6%
Total Estimated Cost $29,000 - $166,000 $31,000 - $148,000 +9%

Local Market Factors

Factor Philadelphia Chicago
Cost of Living Index 114.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $55 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

Ready to Start Your Roofing?

Start your Roofing LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee