Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison
Charleston, WV vs Chicago, IL
Charleston, WV
$121,000 - $926,000
COL Index: 80.4
VS
Chicago, IL
$275,000 - $2,129,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Charleston, WV | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$200 - $3,000 | $200 - $3,000 | Same |
|
Space & Equipment
|
$52,200 - $417,400 | $195,700 - $1,565,200 | -73% |
|
Initial Supplies & Inventory
|
$37,500 - $300,000 | $37,500 - $300,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$500 - $40,000 | $500 - $40,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Launch
|
$500 - $5,000 | $500 - $5,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$30,200 - $160,800 | $40,400 - $215,600 | -25% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $121,000 - $926,000 | $275,000 - $2,129,000 | -56% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 80.4 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $8 - $16 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 0.82 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 7% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $8.75/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $100 | $150 |
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