Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Rochester, NY vs Chicago, IL

Rochester, NY

$261,000 - $2,875,000

COL Index: 87.9

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Rochester, NY Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$126,100 - $1,891,300 $391,300 - $5,869,600 -68%
Storage Units & Access
$90,000 - $720,000 $115,000 - $920,000 -22%
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)
$26,400 - $175,800 $32,300 - $215,600 -18%
Total Estimated Cost $261,000 - $2,875,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 -59%

Local Market Factors

Factor Rochester Chicago
Cost of Living Index 87.9 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $9 - $20 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

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