Dance Studio Startup Cost Comparison
Portland, ME vs Chicago, IL
Portland, ME
$29,000 - $135,000
COL Index: 114.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$38,000 - $170,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Portland, ME | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $5,200 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -60% |
|
Studio Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$5,200 - $31,300 | $9,800 - $58,700 | -47% |
|
Studio Build-Out
|
$8,300 - $36,400 | $9,200 - $40,300 | -10% |
|
Sound System & Equipment
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Dancewear & Merchandise Inventory
|
$1,500 - $6,000 | $1,500 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$1,500 - $6,000 | $1,500 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Student Recruitment
|
$2,000 - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$6,900 - $32,000 | $6,500 - $30,200 | +6% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $29,000 - $135,000 | $38,000 - $170,000 | -21% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 114.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $32 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.04 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 5.5% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $14.15/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $175 | $150 |
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