Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$607,000 - $4,043,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$195,700 - $1,565,200 $250,000 - $2,000,000 -22%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$34,500 - $230,000 $40,500 - $270,000 -15%
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 $99,900 - $499,500 -35%
Total Estimated Cost $512,000 - $3,392,000 $607,000 - $4,043,000 -16%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 107.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.35
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $70

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