How much does it cost to start a business?

Startup costs vary by business type and location. A cleaning service may cost $2,000–$20,000 to launch, while a restaurant typically runs $95,000–$375,000 in an average-cost city. High cost-of-living cities like New York or San Francisco can add 50–90% to those figures. This tool adjusts estimates for your specific city's cost of living.

How does location affect startup costs?

Location affects startup costs through rent, labor, permits, and local cost of living. San Francisco and New York have cost-of-living indexes 80–90% above the national average, which flows through to commercial rent, employee wages, and even contractor rates. Cities like Houston, Memphis, and Oklahoma City run 10–15% below average, making them significantly cheaper to launch a business.

What is included in startup cost estimates?

Estimates include one-time costs (equipment, renovations, licenses, initial inventory, branding) and monthly recurring costs (rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, marketing). The first-year total is one-time costs plus 12 months of recurring costs. Estimates do not include payroll or working capital, which you should budget separately.

Where can I see a detailed cost breakdown for my city?

After selecting your business type and city, click the 'See full breakdown' link to view a detailed page with every cost line item adjusted for your city's cost of living index. These pages cover 50 cities and 20+ business types.

Startup Cost Estimator: Your Business, Your City

Select your business type and city to see location-adjusted startup cost estimates. One-time costs, monthly expenses, and first-year totals — adjusted for your city's cost of living. Links to detailed city-specific breakdowns.

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Your Business

Business Type

City

Budget Range

Select a business type and city to see your estimate.

How location adjusts your estimate

This tool applies each city's cost-of-living index to baseline industry cost figures. A restaurant in San Francisco (COL index: 179) costs roughly 79% more than the same restaurant in an average-cost city — driven by rent, labor, and contractor rates. Oklahoma City (COL index: 83) is about 17% below average.

Estimates only. These results are based on publicly available data and standard formulas. Actual costs may vary based on your specific circumstances. This calculator does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice on your situation.

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Startup Cost Estimator: Your Business, Your City

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