Welding Business Startup Cost Comparison
Great Falls, MT vs Chicago, IL
Great Falls, MT
$18,000 - $100,000
COL Index: 91.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$26,000 - $138,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Great Falls, MT | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Certifications
|
$900 - $3,700 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -72% |
|
Welding Machines & Equipment
|
$5,000 - $30,000 | $5,000 - $30,000 | Same |
|
Shop or Workspace
|
$1,000 - $10,400 | $3,900 - $39,100 | -73% |
|
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)
|
$1,800 - $9,200 | $2,200 - $10,800 | -15% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $18,000 - $100,000 | $26,000 - $138,000 | -28% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Great Falls | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 91.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $8 - $16 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.85 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $10.30/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $70 | $150 |
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