Spa Startup Cost Comparison
Charleston, SC vs Chicago, IL
Charleston, SC
$87,000 - $334,000
COL Index: 110.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$99,000 - $376,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charleston, SC | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,400 - $6,300 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -53% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$11,300 - $56,700 | $17,600 - $88,000 | -36% |
|
Spa Equipment & Furnishings
|
$20,000 - $80,000 | $20,000 - $80,000 | Same |
|
Initial Product & Supplies Inventory
|
$5,000 - $20,000 | $5,000 - $20,000 | Same |
|
Interior Build-Out & Ambiance Design
|
$26,500 - $95,400 | $28,800 - $103,500 | -8% |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$3,000 - $8,000 | $3,000 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Launch
|
$3,000 - $12,000 | $3,000 - $12,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$16,600 - $55,400 | $16,200 - $53,900 | +3% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $87,000 - $334,000 | $99,000 - $376,000 | -11% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 110.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $18 - $40 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.06 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 9% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $110 | $150 |
View Full Details
Ready to Start Your Spa?
Start your Spa LLC in — free registered agent for 1 year.
Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →Trusted by 500,000+ businesses · Excellent rating on Trustpilot