Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Portland, ME vs Chicago, IL

Portland, ME

$366,000 - $4,279,000

COL Index: 114.2

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Portland, ME Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$208,700 - $3,130,400 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -47%
Storage Units & Access
$104,000 - $832,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -10%
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)
$34,300 - $228,400 $32,300 - $215,600 +6%
Total Estimated Cost $366,000 - $4,279,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -39%

Local Market Factors

Factor Portland Chicago
Cost of Living Index 114.2 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.04 1.15
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $14.15/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $175 $150

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