Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $146,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Los Angeles, CA
$43,000 - $182,000
COL Index: 166.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$5,600 - $10,900 | $4,000 - $14,400 | -10% |
|
Broker License & Education
|
$2,000 - $6,000 | $2,000 - $6,000 | Same |
|
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$8,800 - $44,000 | $11,300 - $56,300 | -22% |
|
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
|
$3,500 - $17,300 | $4,100 - $20,300 | -15% |
|
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 | $13,300 - $50,000 | -35% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $37,000 - $146,000 | $43,000 - $182,000 | -19% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 166.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $30 - $85 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 1.35 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.5% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $16.78/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $70 |
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