Pet Boarding Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$83,000 - $802,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$69,000 - $642,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $5,600 - $10,900 +131%
Facility & Kennel Build-Out
$47,800 - $597,800 $39,100 - $489,100 +22%
Kennels, Crates & Equipment
$5,000 - $40,000 $5,000 - $40,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Initial Staff & Training
$4,100 - $20,700 $3,500 - $17,300 +19%
Marketing & Launch
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$15,200 - $91,400 $10,800 - $64,700 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $83,000 - $802,000 $69,000 - $642,000 +24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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