Car Wash Startup Cost Comparison
Wilmington, DE vs Chicago, IL
Wilmington, DE
$77,000 - $482,000
COL Index: 102.4
VS
Chicago, IL
$102,000 - $580,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Wilmington, DE | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,900 - $6,300 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -50% |
|
Facility Lease or Land (First Year)
|
$16,400 - $65,700 | $35,200 - $140,900 | -53% |
|
Car Wash Equipment
|
$25,000 - $200,000 | $25,000 - $200,000 | Same |
|
Site Construction & Build-Out
|
$15,300 - $122,400 | $17,300 - $138,000 | -11% |
|
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 - $35,800 | $8,600 - $37,700 | -5% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $77,000 - $482,000 | $102,000 - $580,000 | -18% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Wilmington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 102.4 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $14 - $28 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.02 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $13.25/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $90 | $150 |
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