Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

$681,000 - $8,671,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$478,300 - $7,173,900 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +22%
Storage Units & Access
$138,000 - $1,104,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +20%
Management Software & Security
$10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$5,000 - $20,000 $5,000 - $20,000 Same
Marketing & Visibility
$3,000 - $15,000 $3,000 - $15,000 Same
Working Capital (6 Months)
$45,700 - $304,800 $32,300 - $215,600 +41%
Total Estimated Cost $681,000 - $8,671,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +22%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Chicago
Cost of Living Index 152.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 6.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $150

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