Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Austin, TX vs Houston, TX

Austin, TX

$38,000 - $154,000

COL Index: 105.2

VS

Houston, TX

$35,000 - $139,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Austin, TX Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
$2,000 - $6,600 $1,900 - $6,200 +6%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,000 - $30,100 $4,900 - $24,700 +22%
Nail Stations & Equipment
$8,000 - $35,000 $8,000 - $35,000 Same
Initial Products & Supplies
$2,000 - $6,000 $2,000 - $6,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$8,800 - $38,500 $7,400 - $32,200 +19%
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Grand Opening
$1,500 - $6,000 $1,500 - $6,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$8,400 - $26,300 $7,700 - $24,100 +9%
Total Estimated Cost $38,000 - $154,000 $35,000 - $139,000 +10%

Local Market Factors

Factor Austin Houston
Cost of Living Index 105.2 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $22 - $55 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.1 0.92
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $300 $300

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