Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Bloomington, IN vs Chicago, IL

Bloomington, IN

$386,000 - $2,423,000

COL Index: 93.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Bloomington, IN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$87,000 - $695,700 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -56%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$26,100 - $174,000 $34,500 - $230,000 -24%
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)
$56,100 - $280,500 $64,700 - $323,400 -13%
Total Estimated Cost $386,000 - $2,423,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Bloomington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.87 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $95 $150

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