Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Miami, FL

Seattle, WA

$39,000 - $167,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Miami, FL

$35,000 - $149,000

COL Index: 128.3

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Miami, FL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,800 - $12,200 $2,600 - $9,500 +24%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$9,800 - $48,900 $8,800 - $44,000 +11%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$4,200 - $21,000 $3,200 - $16,200 +30%
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 $10,300 - $38,500 +15%
Total Estimated Cost $39,000 - $167,000 $35,000 - $149,000 +12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Miami
Cost of Living Index 147.1 128.3
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.08
Sales Tax 10.25% 7%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $13.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $125

Ready to Start Your Real Estate Agency?

File your Real Estate Agency LLC online and pay only the state fee on the basic plan.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →

Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot · Registered agent service sold separately

Start Your LLC — $0 + State Fee