Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison

Pasadena, CA vs New York, NY

Pasadena, CA

$108,000 - $627,000

COL Index: 152.3

VS

New York, NY

$140,000 - $759,000

COL Index: 187.2

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Pasadena, CA New York, NY Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,300 - $14,300 $5,300 - $17,100 -21%
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
$37,200 - $148,700 $62,600 - $250,400 -41%
Car Wash Equipment
$25,000 - $200,000 $25,000 - $200,000 Same
Site Construction & Build-Out
$19,800 - $158,400 $21,800 - $174,000 -9%
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 $15,000 - $65,500 -19%
Total Estimated Cost $108,000 - $627,000 $140,000 - $759,000 -18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Pasadena New York
Cost of Living Index 152.3 187.2
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $65 $40 - $120
Labor Rate Index 1.32 1.45
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.875%
Minimum Wage $16.00/hr $16.00/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $200

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