Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$704,000 - $9,001,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$391,300 - $5,869,600 $500,000 - $7,500,000 -22%
Storage Units & Access
$115,000 - $920,000 $135,000 - $1,080,000 -15%
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 $50,000 - $333,000 -35%
Total Estimated Cost $557,000 - $7,093,000 $704,000 - $9,001,000 -21%

Local Market Factors

Factor Chicago Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 107.8 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $25 - $65 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.15 1.35
Sales Tax 10.25% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $15.80/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $70

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