Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

San Jose, CA vs Chicago, IL

San Jose, CA

$794,000 - $10,177,000

COL Index: 185.5

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense San Jose, CA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$565,200 - $8,478,300 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +44%
Storage Units & Access
$155,000 - $1,240,000 $115,000 - $920,000 +35%
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)
$55,700 - $371,000 $32,300 - $215,600 +72%
Total Estimated Cost $794,000 - $10,177,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +43%

Local Market Factors

Factor San Jose Chicago
Cost of Living Index 185.5 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $35 - $95 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.55 1.15
Sales Tax 9.375% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $17.55/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $150

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