Auto Body Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Tampa, FL vs Houston, TX

Tampa, FL

$41,000 - $236,000

COL Index: 103.8

VS

Houston, TX

$43,000 - $252,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Tampa, FL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$24,300 - $146,100 $27,400 - $164,300 -11%
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)
$7,800 - $31,100 $7,200 - $29,000 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $41,000 - $236,000 $43,000 - $252,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Tampa Houston
Cost of Living Index 103.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $40 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.95 0.92
Sales Tax 7.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $13.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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