Oil Change Shop Startup Cost Comparison
Baltimore, MD vs Chicago, IL
Baltimore, MD
$45,000 - $244,000
COL Index: 108.5
VS
Chicago, IL
$55,000 - $288,000
COL Index: 107.8
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Expense | Baltimore, MD | Chicago, IL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Registration & Licenses
|
$1,900 - $6,200 | $5,600 - $10,900 | -51% |
|
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
|
$9,100 - $54,800 | $14,700 - $88,000 | -38% |
|
Service Equipment
|
$10,000 - $50,000 | $10,000 - $50,000 | Same |
|
Initial Oil & Fluid Inventory
|
$3,000 - $15,000 | $3,000 - $15,000 | Same |
|
Facility Build-Out
|
$8,400 - $63,000 | $9,200 - $69,000 | -9% |
|
Waste Oil Management System
|
$2,000 - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Business Insurance (Annual)
|
$2,500 - $10,000 | $2,500 - $10,000 | Same |
|
Marketing & Signage
|
$1,500 - $8,000 | $1,500 - $8,000 | Same |
|
Working Capital (3 Months)
|
$6,500 - $27,100 | $6,500 - $27,000 | Same |
| Total Estimated Cost | $45,000 - $244,000 | $55,000 - $288,000 | -16% |
Local Market Factors
| Factor | Baltimore | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 108.5 | 107.8 |
| Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) | $16 - $40 | $25 - $65 |
| Labor Rate Index | 1.05 | 1.15 |
| Sales Tax | 6% | 10.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $15.00/hr | $15.80/hr |
| LLC Filing Fee | $100 | $150 |
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