Auto Body Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Riverside, CA vs Houston, TX

Riverside, CA

$37,000 - $213,000

COL Index: 112.8

VS

Houston, TX

$43,000 - $252,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Riverside, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$20,000 - $120,000 $27,400 - $164,300 -27%
Initial Supplies & Inventory
$7,500 - $45,000 $7,500 - $45,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$500 - $6,000 $500 - $6,000 Same
Marketing & Launch
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$8,500 - $33,800 $7,200 - $29,000 +17%
Total Estimated Cost $37,000 - $213,000 $43,000 - $252,000 -15%

Local Market Factors

Factor Riverside Houston
Cost of Living Index 112.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $14 - $32 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.98 0.92
Sales Tax 8.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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