Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Clearwater, FL vs Chicago, IL

Clearwater, FL

$417,000 - $2,650,000

COL Index: 103.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Clearwater, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$108,700 - $869,600 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -44%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$29,400 - $196,000 $34,500 - $230,000 -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)
$62,300 - $311,400 $64,700 - $323,400 -4%
Total Estimated Cost $417,000 - $2,650,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -21%

Local Market Factors

Factor Clearwater Chicago
Cost of Living Index 103.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $34 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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