Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison

Fontana, CA vs Houston, TX

Fontana, CA

$75,000 - $473,000

COL Index: 110.5

VS

Houston, TX

$83,000 - $501,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Fontana, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $5,600 $1,900 - $6,200 -14%
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
$15,700 - $62,600 $24,700 - $98,600 -36%
Car Wash Equipment
$25,000 - $200,000 $25,000 - $200,000 Same
Site Construction & Build-Out
$14,300 - $114,000 $13,800 - $110,400 +3%
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)
$8,800 - $38,700 $7,700 - $33,800 +14%
Total Estimated Cost $75,000 - $473,000 $83,000 - $501,000 -6%

Local Market Factors

Factor Fontana Houston
Cost of Living Index 110.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $28 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.95 0.92
Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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