Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Portland, OR vs Chicago, IL

Portland, OR

$476,000 - $3,093,000

COL Index: 114.7

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Portland, OR Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$156,500 - $1,252,200 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -20%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$33,600 - $224,000 $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)
$68,800 - $344,100 $64,700 - $323,400 +6%
Total Estimated Cost $476,000 - $3,093,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -9%

Local Market Factors

Factor Portland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 114.7 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $52 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.15
Sales Tax 0% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.95/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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