Gas Station Startup Cost Comparison

Washington, DC vs Chicago, IL

Washington, DC

$334,000 - $2,558,000

COL Index: 148.7

VS

Chicago, IL

$275,000 - $2,129,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Washington, DC Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$200 - $3,000 $200 - $3,000 Same
Space & Equipment
$239,100 - $1,913,000 $195,700 - $1,565,200 +22%
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)
$55,800 - $297,400 $40,400 - $215,600 +38%
Total Estimated Cost $334,000 - $2,558,000 $275,000 - $2,129,000 +20%

Local Market Factors

Factor Washington Chicago
Cost of Living Index 148.7 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.15
Sales Tax 6% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $17.50/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $150

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