HVAC Startup Cost Comparison

Rockford, IL vs Houston, TX

Rockford, IL

$25,000 - $128,000

COL Index: 84.5

VS

Houston, TX

$27,000 - $132,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Rockford, IL Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & HVAC License
$700 - $5,000 $1,900 - $6,200 -30%
Service Vehicle(s)
$8,000 - $45,000 $8,000 - $45,000 Same
HVAC Tools & Diagnostic Equipment
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Parts & Refrigerant Inventory
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Business Insurance & Bonding (Annual)
$3,000 - $12,000 $3,000 - $12,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$4,200 - $21,100 $4,800 - $24,100 -12%
Total Estimated Cost $25,000 - $128,000 $27,000 - $132,000 -4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Rockford Houston
Cost of Living Index 84.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $8 - $18 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.84 0.92
Sales Tax 8.75% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $14.00/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $150 $300

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