Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Miami, FL vs Chicago, IL

Miami, FL

$35,000 - $149,000

COL Index: 128.3

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Miami, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,600 - $9,500 $5,600 - $10,900 -27%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$8,800 - $44,000 $8,800 - $44,000 Same
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$3,200 - $16,200 $3,500 - $17,300 -7%
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)
$10,300 - $38,500 $8,600 - $32,300 +19%
Total Estimated Cost $35,000 - $149,000 $37,000 - $146,000 +1%

Local Market Factors

Factor Miami Chicago
Cost of Living Index 128.3 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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