About Us
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Our Mission
Starting a business shouldn't begin with guesswork. HowMuchToStartABusiness exists to give every aspiring entrepreneur a clear, honest picture of what it actually costs to launch their business — in their specific city.
We believe that access to reliable startup cost data can be the difference between a well-planned launch and a costly surprise. That's why we built the most comprehensive startup cost database available online.
What We Offer
- 40,000+ cost breakdowns covering 195 industries across 300+ US cities
- City-specific estimates adjusted for local cost of living, rent, labor rates, and regulations
- Expert guides on topics from LLC formation to funding options
- State-by-state comparisons of business requirements, taxes, and fees
Our Methodology
Our cost estimates are built on multiple data sources:
- Government data: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, SBA, state business filing offices
- Industry reports: IBISWorld, Franchise Disclosure Documents, trade association surveys
- Market data: Commercial real estate listings, equipment pricing databases, insurance quote aggregators
- Local adjustments: Cost of living indices, local wage data, and regional permit fee schedules
National baseline costs are adjusted using city-specific multipliers for rent, labor, and cost of living. Every estimate includes a range (low to high) to reflect the natural variation in startup expenses.
Editorial Independence
While we earn revenue through affiliate partnerships, our cost estimates and editorial content are produced independently. Affiliate relationships never influence the data we present or the recommendations we make in our guides.
Who We Are
HowMuchToStartABusiness is operated by METIS Digital, a data-driven digital publishing company focused on making business information accessible and actionable. We combine data science, industry research, and practical business experience to create tools that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you. For corrections, partnership inquiries, or feedback:
Email: hello@howmuchtostartabusiness.com