Biz Beat: Is Madison an expensive place to do business?

For the first time, Madison has been included in a survey of cities? business costs by the global accounting firm KMPG. Issued every two years, the Competitive Alternatives survey rates more than 110 cities in 14 countries on the cost of doing business. The study looks at 26 components — from tax rates and labor costs to construction prices and energy costs — to create a comparative index. That Madison was included — it?s the only Wisconsin location mentioned — is a coup of sorts for the city. Madison does score well for the low cost of research and development, including biotech R&D and clinical trials management. That is likely a reflection of the presence of the UW-Madison and Covance, the contract research firm.