Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

Seattle, WA

$39,000 - $167,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$43,000 - $182,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,200 $4,000 - $14,400 -18%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,800 - $48,900 $11,300 - $56,300 -13%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$4,200 - $21,000 $4,100 - $20,300 +3%
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)
$11,800 - $44,100 $13,300 - $50,000 -12%
Total Estimated Cost $39,000 - $167,000 $43,000 - $182,000 -8%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 147.1 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.35
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $70

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