Dance Studio Startup Cost Comparison
Wilmington, NC vs Chicago, IL
Wilmington, NC
$27,000 - $125,000
COL Index: 99.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$38,000 - $170,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Wilmington, NC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $6,100 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -55% |
|
Studio Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$4,600 - $27,400 | $9,800 - $58,700 | -53% |
|
Studio Build-Out
|
$7,600 - $33,300 | $9,200 - $40,300 | -17% |
|
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)
|
$6,000 - $27,900 | $6,500 - $30,200 | -8% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $27,000 - $125,000 | $38,000 - $170,000 | -27% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Wilmington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 99.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $14 - $28 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.95 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $125 | $150 |
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