Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Norfolk, VA vs Chicago, IL

Norfolk, VA

$309,000 - $3,530,000

COL Index: 97.6

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Norfolk, VA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$165,200 - $2,478,300 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -58%
Storage Units & Access
$96,000 - $768,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -17%
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)
$29,300 - $195,200 $32,300 - $215,600 -9%
Total Estimated Cost $309,000 - $3,530,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -50%

Local Market Factors

Factor Norfolk Chicago
Cost of Living Index 97.6 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $26 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.96 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $12.41/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $100 $150

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