Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Arlington, VA vs Chicago, IL

Arlington, VA

$543,000 - $3,559,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Arlington, VA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$195,700 - $1,565,200 $195,700 - $1,565,200 Same
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$41,400 - $276,000 $34,500 - $230,000 +20%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Marketing & League Development
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (6 Months)
$88,900 - $444,600 $64,700 - $323,400 +37%
Total Estimated Cost $543,000 - $3,559,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Arlington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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