Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

$877,000 - $11,446,000

COL Index: 179.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$652,200 - $9,782,600 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +67%
Storage Units & Access
$152,000 - $1,216,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +32%
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)
$53,900 - $359,600 $32,300 - $215,600 +67%
Total Estimated Cost $877,000 - $11,446,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +61%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Francisco Chicago
Cost of Living Index 179.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $110 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.52 1.15
Sales Tax 8.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $18.67/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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