Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Lorain, OH vs Chicago, IL

Lorain, OH

$23,000 - $95,000

COL Index: 84.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Lorain, OH Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$700 - $3,000 $5,600 - $10,900 -78%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$2,700 - $13,700 $8,800 - $44,000 -69%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,300 - $11,700 $3,500 - $17,300 -33%
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)
$6,800 - $25,400 $8,600 - $32,300 -21%
Total Estimated Cost $23,000 - $95,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -36%

Local Market Factors

Factor Lorain Chicago
Cost of Living Index 84.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.78 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.45/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $150

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