Pet Store Startup Cost Comparison

Aurora, IL vs Chicago, IL

Aurora, IL

$49,000 - $254,000

COL Index: 96

VS

Chicago, IL

$64,000 - $325,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Aurora, IL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$800 - $4,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -68%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$5,500 - $41,100 $11,700 - $88,000 -53%
Initial Inventory
$15,000 - $60,000 $15,000 - $60,000 Same
Store Build-Out & Fixtures
$9,500 - $61,800 $11,500 - $74,800 -17%
Specialized Equipment
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$9,600 - $38,400 $10,800 - $43,100 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $49,000 - $254,000 $64,000 - $325,000 -22%

Local Market Factors

Factor Aurora Chicago
Cost of Living Index 96 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $150

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