Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison

Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX

Dallas, TX

$88,000 - $527,000

COL Index: 103.1

VS

Houston, TX

$83,000 - $501,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Dallas, TX Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$2,000 - $6,500 $1,900 - $6,200 +5%
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
$26,600 - $106,400 $24,700 - $98,600 +8%
Car Wash Equipment
$25,000 - $200,000 $25,000 - $200,000 Same
Site Construction & Build-Out
$15,800 - $126,000 $13,800 - $110,400 +14%
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)
$8,200 - $36,100 $7,700 - $33,800 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $88,000 - $527,000 $83,000 - $501,000 +5%

Local Market Factors

Factor Dallas Houston
Cost of Living Index 103.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $18 - $50 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.05 0.92
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $300

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