After-School Program Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

$34,000 - $207,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$27,000 - $144,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licensing
$4,200 - $18,500 $5,600 - $10,900 +38%
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,800 - $78,300 $5,900 - $47,000 +67%
Space Setup & Renovation
$4,600 - $27,400 $3,500 - $20,700 +32%
Equipment & Supplies
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Transportation (Optional)
$0 - $12,000 $0 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Parent Outreach
$1,500 - $6,000 $1,500 - $6,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$9,000 - $45,000 $5,400 - $27,000 +67%
Total Estimated Cost $34,000 - $207,000 $27,000 - $144,000 +41%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Chicago
Cost of Living Index 179.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 8.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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