Welding Business Startup Cost Comparison

Albany, NY vs Chicago, IL

Albany, NY

$20,000 - $109,000

COL Index: 93.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$26,000 - $138,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Albany, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Certifications
$2,400 - $8,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -36%
Welding Machines & Equipment
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Shop or Workspace
$1,400 - $13,900 $3,900 - $39,100 -64%
Fabrication Tools
$2,000 - $12,000 $2,000 - $12,000 Same
Safety Equipment & PPE
$500 - $2,000 $500 - $2,000 Same
Work Vehicle & Mobile Rig
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$1,900 - $9,400 $2,200 - $10,800 -13%
Total Estimated Cost $20,000 - $109,000 $26,000 - $138,000 -21%

Local Market Factors

Factor Albany Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.94 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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