Nail Salon Startup Cost Comparison

Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Seattle, WA

$47,000 - $189,000

COL Index: 147.1

VS

Houston, TX

$35,000 - $139,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Cosmetology License
$2,800 - $12,200 $1,900 - $6,200 +85%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$7,800 - $39,100 $4,900 - $24,700 +58%
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
$11,200 - $49,000 $7,400 - $32,200 +52%
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)
$11,800 - $36,800 $7,700 - $24,100 +53%
Total Estimated Cost $47,000 - $189,000 $35,000 - $139,000 +36%

Local Market Factors

Factor Seattle Houston
Cost of Living Index 147.1 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $28 - $72 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.4 0.92
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $19.97/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $200 $300

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