Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Durham, NC vs Chicago, IL

Durham, NC

$362,000 - $4,256,000

COL Index: 102.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Durham, NC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$208,700 - $3,130,400 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -47%
Storage Units & Access
$104,000 - $832,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -10%
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)
$30,800 - $205,600 $32,300 - $215,600 -5%
Total Estimated Cost $362,000 - $4,256,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -40%

Local Market Factors

Factor Durham Chicago
Cost of Living Index 102.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.04 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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