Arcade & Gaming Center Startup Cost Comparison

Waterloo, IA vs Chicago, IL

Waterloo, IA

$76,000 - $447,000

COL Index: 84.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$107,000 - $663,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Waterloo, IA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Commercial Lease & Build-Out
$12,200 - $91,300 $39,100 - $293,500 -69%
Arcade Games & Equipment
$40,000 - $250,000 $40,000 - $250,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Concessions & Food Service
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$12,700 - $50,700 $16,200 - $64,700 -22%
Total Estimated Cost $76,000 - $447,000 $107,000 - $663,000 -32%

Local Market Factors

Factor Waterloo Chicago
Cost of Living Index 84.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.78 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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