Oil Change Shop Startup Cost Comparison

Washington, DC vs Los Angeles, CA

Washington, DC

$61,000 - $335,000

COL Index: 148.7

VS

Los Angeles, CA

$63,000 - $343,000

COL Index: 166.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Washington, DC Los Angeles, CA Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$3,800 - $12,300 $4,000 - $14,400 -13%
Facility Lease (First + Last + Security)
$17,900 - $107,600 $18,800 - $112,500 -4%
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
$11,400 - $85,200 $10,800 - $81,000 +5%
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)
$8,900 - $37,200 $10,000 - $41,600 -11%
Total Estimated Cost $61,000 - $335,000 $63,000 - $343,000 -2%

Local Market Factors

Factor Washington Los Angeles
Cost of Living Index 148.7 166.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $30 - $80 $30 - $85
Labor Rate Index 1.42 1.35
Sales Tax 6% 9.5%
Minimum Wage $17.50/hr $16.78/hr
LLC Filing Fee $99 $70

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