Coworking Space Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

$174,000 - $835,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$111,000 - $538,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$130,400 - $652,200 $78,300 - $391,300 +67%
Initial Supplies & Inventory
$15,000 - $75,000 $15,000 - $75,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $10,000 $500 - $10,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$27,000 - $89,900 $16,200 - $53,900 +67%
Total Estimated Cost $174,000 - $835,000 $111,000 - $538,000 +55%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Chicago
Cost of Living Index 179.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 8.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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