Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

Denver, CO

$491,000 - $3,204,000

COL Index: 118.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Denver, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$167,400 - $1,339,100 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -14%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$35,400 - $236,000 $34,500 - $230,000 +3%
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)
$71,100 - $355,500 $64,700 - $323,400 +10%
Total Estimated Cost $491,000 - $3,204,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Denver Chicago
Cost of Living Index 118.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.18 1.15
Sales Tax 8.81% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.29/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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