Self-Storage Facility Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

$637,000 - $8,024,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Chicago, IL

$557,000 - $7,093,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Land & Building
$434,800 - $6,521,700 $391,300 - $5,869,600 +11%
Storage Units & Access
$140,000 - $1,120,000 $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)
$44,100 - $294,200 $32,300 - $215,600 +36%
Total Estimated Cost $637,000 - $8,024,000 $557,000 - $7,093,000 +13%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Chicago
Cost of Living Index 147.1 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.4 1.15
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $150

Ready to Start Your Self-Storage Facility?

Start your Self-Storage Facility LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee