Martial Arts Studio Startup Cost Comparison
Birmingham, AL vs Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
$23,000 - $111,000
COL Index: 87.6
VS
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $168,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Birmingham, AL | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$800 - $3,900 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -72% |
|
Studio Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$3,300 - $18,300 | $9,800 - $54,800 | -67% |
|
Studio Build-Out
|
$4,300 - $21,500 | $5,800 - $28,800 | -25% |
|
Training Equipment & Gear
|
$3,000 - $15,000 | $3,000 - $15,000 | Same |
|
Uniform & Merchandise Inventory
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$2,000 - $8,000 | $2,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Student Recruitment
|
$2,000 - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$5,300 - $26,300 | $6,500 - $32,300 | -19% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,000 - $111,000 | $37,000 - $168,000 | -35% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Birmingham | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 87.6 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $10 - $20 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.86 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 10% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $200 | $150 |
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