Real Estate Investment Business Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA

Chicago, IL

$35,000 - $753,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

San Francisco, CA

$56,000 - $1,238,000

COL Index: 179.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Difference
Business Formation
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
First Property Down Payment
$19,600 - $587,000 $32,600 - $978,300 -40%
Renovation & Repairs
$5,400 - $107,800 $9,000 - $179,800 -40%
Landlord Insurance
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Analysis & Management Tools
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Closing & Financing Costs
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Cash Reserves
$5,400 - $32,300 $9,000 - $53,900 -40%
Total Estimated Cost $35,000 - $753,000 $56,000 - $1,238,000 -39%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago San Francisco
Cost of Living Index 107.8 179.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $40 - $110
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.52
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.625%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $18.67/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $70

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