Painting Startup Cost Comparison

Durham, NC vs Houston, TX

Durham, NC

$10,000 - $55,000

COL Index: 102.8

VS

Houston, TX

$10,000 - $54,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Durham, NC Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$1,400 - $6,300 $1,900 - $6,200 -5%
Work Vehicle
$2,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $15,000 Same
Painting Equipment & Tools
$2,000 - $10,000 $2,000 - $10,000 Same
Initial Paint & Supplies
$500 - $3,000 $500 - $3,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$1,000 - $5,000 $1,000 - $5,000 Same
Marketing & Lead Generation
$500 - $5,000 $500 - $5,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$2,100 - $10,300 $1,900 - $9,700 +7%
Total Estimated Cost $10,000 - $55,000 $10,000 - $54,000 +2%

Local Market Factors

Factor Durham Houston
Cost of Living Index 102.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $16 - $32 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 1.04 0.92
Sales Tax 7.5% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

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