Oil Change Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX

Los Angeles, CA

$63,000 - $343,000

COL Index: 166.5

VS

Houston, TX

$44,000 - $240,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$4,000 - $14,400 $1,900 - $6,200 +127%
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
$18,800 - $112,500 $10,300 - $61,600 +83%
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
$10,800 - $81,000 $7,400 - $55,200 +47%
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)
$10,000 - $41,600 $5,800 - $24,100 +73%
Total Estimated Cost $63,000 - $343,000 $44,000 - $240,000 +43%

Local Market Factors

Factor Los Angeles Houston
Cost of Living Index 166.5 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $85 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.35 0.92
Sales Tax 9.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $16.78/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $70 $300

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