Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Long Beach, CA vs Chicago, IL

Long Beach, CA

$36,000 - $151,000

COL Index: 142.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Long Beach, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,700 - $9,900 $5,600 - $10,900 -24%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,700 - $38,600 $8,800 - $44,000 -12%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$3,800 - $19,200 $3,500 - $17,300 +11%
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)
$11,400 - $42,700 $8,600 - $32,300 +32%
Total Estimated Cost $36,000 - $151,000 $37,000 - $146,000 +2%

Local Market Factors

Factor Long Beach Chicago
Cost of Living Index 142.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $24 - $55 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.28 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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