Real Estate Investment Business Startup Cost Comparison

Philadelphia, PA vs Chicago, IL

Philadelphia, PA

$33,000 - $664,000

COL Index: 114.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$35,000 - $753,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Philadelphia, PA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Formation
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
First Property Down Payment
$16,300 - $489,100 $19,600 - $587,000 -17%
Renovation & Repairs
$5,700 - $114,500 $5,400 - $107,800 +6%
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
$5,700 - $34,400 $5,400 - $32,300 +6%
Total Estimated Cost $33,000 - $664,000 $35,000 - $753,000 -12%

Local Market Factors

Factor Philadelphia Chicago
Cost of Living Index 114.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $20 - $55 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.12 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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