Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs New York, NY
Chicago, IL
$102,000 - $580,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
New York, NY
$140,000 - $759,000
COL Index: 187.2
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | New York, NY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$5,600 - $10,900 | $5,300 - $17,100 | -26% |
|
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
|
$35,200 - $140,900 | $62,600 - $250,400 | -44% |
|
Car Wash Equipment
|
$25,000 - $200,000 | $25,000 - $200,000 | Same |
|
Site Construction & Build-Out
|
$17,300 - $138,000 | $21,800 - $174,000 | -21% |
|
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)
|
$8,600 - $37,700 | $15,000 - $65,500 | -42% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $102,000 - $580,000 | $140,000 - $759,000 | -24% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 187.2 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $40 - $120 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 1.45 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.875% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $16.00/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $200 |
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