Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Federal Way, WA vs Chicago, IL

Federal Way, WA

$370,000 - $4,313,000

COL Index: 115.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Federal Way, WA 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
$108,000 - $864,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -6%
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)
$34,600 - $230,400 $32,300 - $215,600 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $370,000 - $4,313,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -39%

Local Market Factors

Factor Federal Way Chicago
Cost of Living Index 115.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.08 1.15
Sales Tax 10.1% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.28/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $180 $150

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