Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Greenville, SC vs Chicago, IL

Greenville, SC

$25,000 - $107,000

COL Index: 94.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Greenville, SC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,100 - $5,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -63%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$3,700 - $18,600 $8,800 - $44,000 -58%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,800 - $14,000 $3,500 - $17,300 -19%
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)
$7,600 - $28,400 $8,600 - $32,300 -12%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $107,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -28%

Local Market Factors

Factor Greenville Chicago
Cost of Living Index 94.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $26 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.93 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $110 $150

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