Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Chicago, IL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$473,000 - $5,806,000

COL Index: 120.4

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fort Lauderdale, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$304,300 - $4,565,200 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -22%
Storage Units & Access
$114,000 - $912,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -1%
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)
$36,100 - $240,800 $32,300 - $215,600 +12%
Total Estimated Cost $473,000 - $5,806,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fort Lauderdale Chicago
Cost of Living Index 120.4 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $48 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.14 1.15
Sales Tax 7% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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