Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

San Diego, CA vs New York, NY

San Diego, CA

$41,000 - $177,000

COL Index: 160.2

VS

New York, NY

$50,000 - $214,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Diego, CA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $17,700 $5,300 - $17,100 -3%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$10,100 - $50,400 $15,700 - $78,300 -36%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$3,900 - $19,500 $4,400 - $21,800 -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)
$12,800 - $48,100 $15,000 - $56,200 -14%
Total Estimated Cost $41,000 - $177,000 $50,000 - $214,000 -17%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Diego New York
Cost of Living Index 160.2 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $75 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.3 1.45
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $16.85/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $200

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