Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $146,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Houston, TX
$29,000 - $121,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$5,600 - $10,900 | $1,900 - $6,200 | +104% |
|
Broker License & Education
|
$2,000 - $6,000 | $2,000 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$8,800 - $44,000 | $6,200 - $30,800 | +43% |
|
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
|
$3,500 - $17,300 | $2,800 - $13,800 | +25% |
|
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)
|
$8,600 - $32,300 | $7,700 - $29,000 | +11% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $37,000 - $146,000 | $29,000 - $121,000 | +22% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $300 |
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