Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

Houston, TX

$413,000 - $5,126,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$391,300 - $5,869,600 $273,900 - $4,108,700 +43%
Storage Units & Access
$115,000 - $920,000 $92,000 - $736,000 +25%
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)
$32,300 - $215,600 $29,000 - $193,000 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $557,000 - $7,093,000 $413,000 - $5,126,000 +38%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago Houston
Cost of Living Index 107.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.15 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $300

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