Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison
Tacoma, WA vs Chicago, IL
Tacoma, WA
$84,000 - $519,000
COL Index: 118.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$102,000 - $580,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Tacoma, WA | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$2,100 - $8,500 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -36% |
|
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
|
$21,100 - $84,500 | $35,200 - $140,900 | -40% |
|
Car Wash Equipment
|
$25,000 - $200,000 | $25,000 - $200,000 | Same |
|
Site Construction & Build-Out
|
$16,500 - $132,000 | $17,300 - $138,000 | -4% |
|
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)
|
$9,500 - $41,500 | $8,600 - $37,700 | +10% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $84,000 - $519,000 | $102,000 - $580,000 | -12% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Tacoma | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 118.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $38 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.1 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 10.2% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $16.28/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $180 | $150 |
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