Real Estate Investment Business Startup Cost Comparison

Wilmington, NC vs Chicago, IL

Wilmington, NC

$24,000 - $430,000

COL Index: 99.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$35,000 - $753,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Wilmington, NC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Formation
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
First Property Down Payment
$9,100 - $273,900 $19,600 - $587,000 -53%
Renovation & Repairs
$5,000 - $99,800 $5,400 - $107,800 -7%
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
$5,000 - $29,900 $5,400 - $32,300 -7%
Total Estimated Cost $24,000 - $430,000 $35,000 - $753,000 -42%

Local Market Factors

Factor Wilmington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 99.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $28 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.95 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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