Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Irvine, CA vs Chicago, IL

Irvine, CA

$605,000 - $7,451,000

COL Index: 178.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Irvine, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$391,300 - $5,869,600 $391,300 - $5,869,600 Same
Storage Units & Access
$142,000 - $1,136,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +23%
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)
$53,600 - $357,000 $32,300 - $215,600 +66%
Total Estimated Cost $605,000 - $7,451,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Irvine Chicago
Cost of Living Index 178.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $60 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 7.75% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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