Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Duluth, MN vs Chicago, IL

Duluth, MN

$24,000 - $102,000

COL Index: 93

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Duluth, MN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$800 - $3,900 $5,600 - $10,900 -72%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,100 - $15,700 $8,800 - $44,000 -64%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,700 - $13,500 $3,500 - $17,300 -22%
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)
$7,400 - $27,900 $8,600 - $32,300 -14%
Total Estimated Cost $24,000 - $102,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -31%

Local Market Factors

Factor Duluth Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.85/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $150

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