Trucking Company Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$24,000 - $310,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$22,000 - $294,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Authority & Licensing
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Truck Purchase or Lease
$5,000 - $200,000 $5,000 - $200,000 Same
Commercial Truck Insurance
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Technology & Compliance
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Initial Fuel & Maintenance Reserve
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Marketing & Freight Brokerage
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Working Capital (2 Months)
$7,400 - $58,800 $5,400 - $43,100 +36%
Total Estimated Cost $24,000 - $310,000 $22,000 - $294,000 +6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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