Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Meridian, ID vs Chicago, IL

Meridian, ID

$27,000 - $113,000

COL Index: 105.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Meridian, ID Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,300 - $5,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -59%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$4,100 - $20,500 $8,800 - $44,000 -53%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,900 - $14,700 $3,500 - $17,300 -15%
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)
$8,400 - $31,700 $8,600 - $32,300 -2%
Total Estimated Cost $27,000 - $113,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -23%

Local Market Factors

Factor Meridian Chicago
Cost of Living Index 105.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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