Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison
Milwaukee, WI vs Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
$75,000 - $472,000
COL Index: 95.8
VS
Chicago, IL
$102,000 - $580,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Milwaukee, WI | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$900 - $4,000 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -70% |
|
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
|
$18,000 - $72,000 | $35,200 - $140,900 | -49% |
|
Car Wash Equipment
|
$25,000 - $200,000 | $25,000 - $200,000 | Same |
|
Site Construction & Build-Out
|
$13,800 - $110,400 | $17,300 - $138,000 | -20% |
|
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)
|
$7,700 - $33,500 | $8,600 - $37,700 | -11% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $75,000 - $472,000 | $102,000 - $580,000 | -20% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Milwaukee | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 95.8 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $14 - $32 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.92 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 5.5% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $130 | $150 |
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