Dental Practice Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Clara, CA vs Chicago, IL

Santa Clara, CA

$398,000 - $1,011,000

COL Index: 188.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$330,000 - $827,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Clara, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Formation & Dental Licensing
$4,100 - $16,900 $5,600 - $12,000 +19%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$30,800 - $115,400 $23,500 - $88,000 +31%
Dental Equipment & Technology
$150,000 - $350,000 $150,000 - $350,000 Same
Dental Supplies & Materials
$10,000 - $30,000 $10,000 - $30,000 Same
Dental Office Build-Out
$91,200 - $228,000 $69,000 - $172,500 +32%
Malpractice & Business Insurance (Annual)
$8,000 - $20,000 $8,000 - $20,000 Same
Marketing & Patient Acquisition
$10,000 - $25,000 $10,000 - $25,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$94,100 - $225,800 $53,900 - $129,400 +75%
Total Estimated Cost $398,000 - $1,011,000 $330,000 - $827,000 +22%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Clara Chicago
Cost of Living Index 188.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $78 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $17.75/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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