Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison
Chicago, IL vs Houston, TX
Chicago, IL
$43,000 - $165,000
COL Index: 107.8
VS
Houston, TX
$35,000 - $139,000
COL Index: 96.5
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Chicago, IL | Houston, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
|
$5,600 - $10,900 | $1,900 - $6,200 | +104% |
|
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$7,000 - $35,200 | $4,900 - $24,700 | +43% |
|
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
|
$9,200 - $40,300 | $7,400 - $32,200 | +25% |
|
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)
|
$8,600 - $27,000 | $7,700 - $24,100 | +12% |
| Total Estimated Cost | $43,000 - $165,000 | $35,000 - $139,000 | +20% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 96.5 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $25 - $65 | $18 - $45 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.15 | 0.92 |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.80/hr | $7.25/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $150 | $300 |
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