Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Lincoln, NE vs Chicago, IL

Lincoln, NE

$376,000 - $2,348,000

COL Index: 90.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Lincoln, NE Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$78,300 - $626,100 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -60%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$26,400 - $176,000 $34,500 - $230,000 -23%
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)
$54,500 - $272,400 $64,700 - $323,400 -16%
Total Estimated Cost $376,000 - $2,348,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -30%

Local Market Factors

Factor Lincoln Chicago
Cost of Living Index 90.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.88 1.15
Sales Tax 7.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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