Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

Houston, TX

$440,000 - $2,842,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$195,700 - $1,565,200 $137,000 - $1,095,700 +43%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$34,500 - $230,000 $27,600 - $184,000 +25%
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)
$64,700 - $323,400 $57,900 - $289,500 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $512,000 - $3,392,000 $440,000 - $2,842,000 +19%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago Houston
Cost of Living Index 107.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.15 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $300

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