Real Estate Agency Startup Cost Comparison

St. Paul, MN vs Los Angeles, CA

St. Paul, MN

$28,000 - $117,000

COL Index: 104.5

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$43,000 - $182,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense St. Paul, MN Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,100 $4,000 - $14,400 -59%
Broker License & Education
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Office Lease (First + Last + Security)
$4,700 - $23,500 $11,300 - $56,300 -58%
Office Build-Out & Furnishing
$3,100 - $15,300 $4,100 - $20,300 -25%
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)
$8,400 - $31,400 $13,300 - $50,000 -37%
Total Estimated Cost $28,000 - $117,000 $43,000 - $182,000 -36%

Local Market Factors

Factor St. Paul Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 104.5 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $34 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.02 1.35
Sales Tax 8.375% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.57/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $70

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