Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX
Chicago, IL
$275,000 - $2,129,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Houston, TX
$212,000 - $1,637,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$200 - $3,000 | $200 - $3,000 | Same |
|
Space & Equipment
|
$195,700 - $1,565,200 | $137,000 - $1,095,700 | +43% |
|
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)
|
$40,400 - $215,600 | $36,200 - $193,000 | +12% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $275,000 - $2,129,000 | $212,000 - $1,637,000 | +30% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $300 |
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