Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Hartford, CT vs Chicago, IL

Hartford, CT

$410,000 - $2,576,000

COL Index: 107.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Hartford, CT Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$95,700 - $765,200 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -51%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$32,400 - $216,000 $34,500 - $230,000 -6%
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)
$64,400 - $321,900 $64,700 - $323,400 Same
Total Estimated Cost $410,000 - $2,576,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Hartford Chicago
Cost of Living Index 107.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $30 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 6.35% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.35/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $120 $150

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