We maintain startup cost data for 53 business types across all 50 US states — that's 2,650 unique data points. Here's what the numbers tell us about starting a business in 2026.
The Cheapest Businesses to Start
Service businesses dominate the low end. You can start a real, profitable business for under $10,000 — sometimes under $5,000. These businesses have low equipment costs, no storefront requirements, and can scale from a solo operation.
| Business | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking | $500 | $5,000 |
| Notary Services | $500 | $5,000 |
| Social Media Management | $500 | $5,000 |
| Tutoring | $500 | $5,000 |
| E-Commerce | $500 | $10,000 |
| Pet Sitting | $500 | $3,000 |
| Window Cleaning | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Consulting | $1,000 | $20,000 |
| Web Design | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Graphic Design | $1,000 | $10,000 |
The Most Expensive Businesses to Start
Businesses that require a physical location, specialized equipment, or regulatory compliance sit at the high end. Restaurants, bakeries, and gyms need significant capital — but they also have higher revenue potential.
| Business | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | $175,000 | $750,000 |
| Car Wash | $50,000 | $500,000 |
| Gym | $50,000 | $500,000 |
| Daycare | $50,000 | $500,000 |
| Laundromat | $100,000 | $500,000 |
| Coffee Shop | $80,000 | $350,000 |
| Hair Salon | $50,000 | $250,000 |
| Food Truck | $50,000 | $200,000 |
| Nail Salon | $40,000 | $200,000 |
| Bakery | $20,000 | $150,000 |
How Location Affects Costs
The same business can cost 70% more in one state versus another. Our state cost multipliers range from 0.84x (Mississippi, West Virginia) to 1.43x (Hawaii). Beyond the general cost of living, the biggest state-level variables are LLC filing fees ($40-$500), insurance requirements, and local permit costs.
States with no income tax — Florida, Texas, Nevada, Wyoming, Tennessee, South Dakota, Washington, Alaska, New Hampshire — are popular for entrepreneurs because more revenue becomes profit. But lower-tax states don't always mean lower startup costs: Texas has a $300 LLC fee, while Arizona charges just $50.
Want state-specific numbers?
We have detailed cost breakdowns for all 53 business types in every US state.
Browse All Businesses →Key Takeaways
Most people overestimate startup costs. Of our 53 business types, 30 can be started for under $20,000. Service businesses are the most accessible — cleaning, lawn care, pressure washing, consulting, and personal training all start under $10,000 with "Easy" difficulty ratings. The businesses with the highest barriers are those needing physical space and equipment: restaurants, gyms, laundromats, and bakeries.
The smart move is starting lean. Many successful restaurant owners started as food trucks. Many gym owners started with personal training. Use our startup cost calculator to estimate your specific costs, and check your state's business requirements before you commit.