Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison

Boston, MA vs Houston, TX

Boston, MA

$117,000 - $675,000

COL Index: 152.4

VS

Houston, TX

$83,000 - $501,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Boston, MA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,800 - $32,300 $1,900 - $6,200 +370%
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
$43,000 - $172,200 $24,700 - $98,600 +75%
Car Wash Equipment
$25,000 - $200,000 $25,000 - $200,000 Same
Site Construction & Build-Out
$20,700 - $165,600 $13,800 - $110,400 +50%
Water & Environmental Systems
$5,000 - $30,000 $5,000 - $30,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Signage
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$12,200 - $53,300 $7,700 - $33,800 +58%
Total Estimated Cost $117,000 - $675,000 $83,000 - $501,000 +36%

Local Market Factors

Factor Boston Houston
Cost of Living Index 152.4 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.38 0.92
Sales Tax 6.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $500 $300

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