Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison

Santa Clara, CA vs Houston, TX

Santa Clara, CA

$366,000 - $2,777,000

COL Index: 188.2

VS

Houston, TX

$212,000 - $1,637,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Santa Clara, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$256,500 - $2,052,200 $137,000 - $1,095,700 +87%
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)
$70,600 - $376,400 $36,200 - $193,000 +95%
Total Estimated Cost $366,000 - $2,777,000 $212,000 - $1,637,000 +70%

Local Market Factors

Factor Santa Clara Houston
Cost of Living Index 188.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $40 - $78 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.52 0.92
Sales Tax 9.375% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $17.75/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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