Oil Change Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Trenton, NJ vs Chicago, IL

Trenton, NJ

$44,000 - $238,000

COL Index: 100.8

VS

Chicago, IL

$55,000 - $288,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Trenton, NJ Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,400 - $26,200 $5,600 - $10,900 +92%
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
$5,900 - $35,200 $14,700 - $88,000 -60%
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
$7,800 - $58,800 $9,200 - $69,000 -15%
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)
$6,000 - $25,200 $6,500 - $27,000 -7%
Total Estimated Cost $44,000 - $238,000 $55,000 - $288,000 -18%

Local Market Factors

Factor Trenton Chicago
Cost of Living Index 100.8 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $24 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.98 1.15
Sales Tax 6.625% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $150

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