Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Oakland, CA vs Chicago, IL

Oakland, CA

$609,000 - $7,578,000

COL Index: 160.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Oakland, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$404,300 - $6,065,200 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +3%
Storage Units & Access
$138,000 - $1,104,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +20%
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)
$48,200 - $321,000 $32,300 - $215,600 +49%
Total Estimated Cost $609,000 - $7,578,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +7%

Local Market Factors

Factor Oakland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 160.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $65 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.38 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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