Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Bowling Green, KY vs Chicago, IL

Bowling Green, KY

$23,000 - $98,000

COL Index: 87.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Bowling Green, KY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,200 $5,600 - $10,900 -76%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,000 - $15,200 $8,800 - $44,000 -66%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,400 - $12,000 $3,500 - $17,300 -31%
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)
$7,000 - $26,300 $8,600 - $32,300 -19%
Total Estimated Cost $23,000 - $98,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -34%

Local Market Factors

Factor Bowling Green Chicago
Cost of Living Index 87.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $9 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.8 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $40 $150

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