Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Boulder, CO vs Chicago, IL

Boulder, CO

$37,000 - $160,000

COL Index: 148.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boulder, CO Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,200 - $8,900 $5,600 - $10,900 -33%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,100 - $45,500 $8,800 - $44,000 +3%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$4,000 - $19,800 $3,500 - $17,300 +14%
Technology & MLS Access
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Insurance (Annual)
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Brand Building
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (3-6 Months)
$11,900 - $44,500 $8,600 - $32,300 +38%
Total Estimated Cost $37,000 - $160,000 $37,000 - $146,000 +8%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boulder Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.15
Sales Tax 9.045% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $50 $150

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