Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Helena, MT vs Houston, TX

Helena, MT

$32,000 - $124,000

COL Index: 98.5

VS

Houston, TX

$35,000 - $139,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Helena, MT Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
$1,100 - $4,300 $1,900 - $6,200 -33%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$2,300 - $11,700 $4,900 - $24,700 -53%
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
$7,200 - $31,500 $7,400 - $32,200 -2%
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)
$7,900 - $24,600 $7,700 - $24,100 +2%
Total Estimated Cost $32,000 - $124,000 $35,000 - $139,000 -10%

Local Market Factors

Factor Helena Houston
Cost of Living Index 98.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $20 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.9 0.92
Sales Tax 0% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $10.30/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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