Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Gainesville, FL vs Chicago, IL

Gainesville, FL

$325,000 - $3,806,000

COL Index: 96.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Gainesville, FL Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$187,000 - $2,804,300 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -52%
Storage Units & Access
$90,000 - $720,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -22%
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)
$29,000 - $193,600 $32,300 - $215,600 -10%
Total Estimated Cost $325,000 - $3,806,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -46%

Local Market Factors

Factor Gainesville Chicago
Cost of Living Index 96.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $13 - $30 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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