Welding Business Startup Cost Comparison

Springfield, IL vs Chicago, IL

Springfield, IL

$18,000 - $102,000

COL Index: 86.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$26,000 - $138,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Springfield, IL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Certifications
$700 - $3,300 $5,600 - $10,900 -76%
Welding Machines & Equipment
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Shop or Workspace
$1,300 - $13,000 $3,900 - $39,100 -67%
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)
$1,700 - $8,700 $2,200 - $10,800 -20%
Total Estimated Cost $18,000 - $102,000 $26,000 - $138,000 -27%

Local Market Factors

Factor Springfield Chicago
Cost of Living Index 86.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.86 1.15
Sales Tax 9.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $150

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