Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

New York, NY

$915,000 - $12,057,000

COL Index: 187.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense New York, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$695,700 - $10,434,800 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +78%
Storage Units & Access
$145,000 - $1,160,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +26%
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)
$56,200 - $374,400 $32,300 - $215,600 +74%
Total Estimated Cost $915,000 - $12,057,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +70%

Local Market Factors

Factor New York Chicago
Cost of Living Index 187.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $120 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.45 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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