Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison
Columbus, GA vs Chicago, IL
Columbus, GA
$23,000 - $99,000
COL Index: 86.2
VS
Chicago, IL
$37,000 - $146,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Columbus, GA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$800 - $4,400 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -68% |
|
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)
|
$6,900 - $25,900 | $8,600 - $32,300 | -20% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,000 - $99,000 | $37,000 - $146,000 | -33% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Columbus | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 86.2 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $9 - $22 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.8 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 8% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $100 | $150 |
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