Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Racine, WI vs Chicago, IL

Racine, WI

$23,000 - $99,000

COL Index: 89.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$37,000 - $146,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Racine, WI 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)
$3,000 - $15,200 $8,800 - $44,000 -66%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$2,500 - $12,500 $3,500 - $17,300 -28%
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)
$7,200 - $26,900 $8,600 - $32,300 -17%
Total Estimated Cost $23,000 - $99,000 $37,000 - $146,000 -33%

Local Market Factors

Factor Racine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 89.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $9 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.83 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $130 $150

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