Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Seattle, WA

$311,000 - $2,381,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Houston, TX

$212,000 - $1,637,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$217,400 - $1,739,100 $137,000 - $1,095,700 +59%
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)
$55,200 - $294,200 $36,200 - $193,000 +52%
Total Estimated Cost $311,000 - $2,381,000 $212,000 - $1,637,000 +46%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Houston
Cost of Living Index 147.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.4 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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