Bowling Alley Startup Cost Comparison

Worcester, MA vs Chicago, IL

Worcester, MA

$408,000 - $2,557,000

COL Index: 112.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$512,000 - $3,392,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Worcester, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Facility Lease or Purchase
$91,300 - $730,400 $195,700 - $1,565,200 -53%
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)
$67,400 - $337,200 $64,700 - $323,400 +4%
Total Estimated Cost $408,000 - $2,557,000 $512,000 - $3,392,000 -24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Worcester Chicago
Cost of Living Index 112.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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