Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Sunnyvale, CA vs Chicago, IL

Sunnyvale, CA

$644,000 - $4,282,000

COL Index: 192.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Sunnyvale, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$265,200 - $2,121,700 $195,700 - $1,565,200 +36%
Bowling Lanes & Equipment
$200,000 - $1,200,000 $200,000 - $1,200,000 Same
Restaurant & Bar Build-Out
$46,500 - $310,000 $34,500 - $230,000 +35%
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)
$115,500 - $577,500 $64,700 - $323,400 +79%
Total Estimated Cost $644,000 - $4,282,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 +26%

Local Market Factors

Factor Sunnyvale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 192.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $42 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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