Professional Services Business Startup Costs
Compare startup costs for all professional services businesses. Choose an industry below to see detailed costs by city.
Professional Services Industries
Consulting Business
$5,000 - $50,000
Start a professional consulting practice offering expert advice in management, strategy, IT, HR, or other specialized fields.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Accounting Firm
$15,000 - $60,000
Start a certified public accounting or bookkeeping practice.
Time to launch: 2-4 months
Law Firm
$50,000 - $200,000
Open a law practice serving clients in your area of expertise.
Time to launch: 2-6 months
Marketing Agency
$10,000 - $75,000
Launch a digital or full-service marketing agency for businesses.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Real Estate Agency
$25,000 - $100,000
Open a real estate brokerage or agency for residential or commercial sales.
Time to launch: 3-6 months
Insurance Agency
$20,000 - $80,000
Start an independent insurance agency selling policies to individuals and businesses.
Time to launch: 2-4 months
Staffing Agency
$30,000 - $150,000
Open a recruitment or temporary staffing agency for businesses.
Time to launch: 2-5 months
Tax Preparation Business
$8,000 - $40,000
Start a tax preparation service for individuals and small businesses.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Bookkeeping Service
$2,000 - $10,000
Virtual or local bookkeeping service for small businesses.
Time to launch: 1-2 months
Notary Business
$1,000 - $5,000
Mobile notary and loan signing agent services.
Time to launch: 1-2 weeks
Coworking Space
$100,000 - $500,000
Shared office and coworking facility offering desks, offices, and meeting rooms.
Time to launch: 3-6 months
Virtual Assistant Business
$500 - $3,000
Remote administrative and business support service.
Time to launch: 1-2 weeks
Financial Advisory Practice
$10,000 - $50,000
Registered financial advisor or planner serving individual and business clients.
Time to launch: 2-6 months
Franchise Business
$20,000 - $1,000,000
Franchise business operating under an established brand system with training, marketing, and operational support from the franchisor.
Time to launch: 3-12 months
Property Management Company
$5,000 - $50,000
Property management company handling tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and operations for residential or commercial rental properties.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Real Estate Investment Business
$20,000 - $500,000
Real estate investment business acquiring, renovating, and renting or flipping residential and commercial properties.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Security Company
$10,000 - $100,000
Private security company providing guard services, patrol, event security, and monitoring for commercial and residential clients.
Time to launch: 1-3 months
Startup Cost Comparison
| Industry | Low End | High End | Time to Launch | Monthly Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting Business | $5,000 | $50,000 | 1-3 months | $500 - $3,000 |
| Accounting Firm | $15,000 | $60,000 | 2-4 months | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Law Firm | $50,000 | $200,000 | 2-6 months | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Marketing Agency | $10,000 | $75,000 | 1-3 months | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Real Estate Agency | $25,000 | $100,000 | 3-6 months | $4,000 - $18,000 |
| Insurance Agency | $20,000 | $80,000 | 2-4 months | $3,000 - $12,000 |
| Staffing Agency | $30,000 | $150,000 | 2-5 months | $8,000 - $35,000 |
| Tax Preparation Business | $8,000 | $40,000 | 1-3 months | $800 - $4,000 |
| Bookkeeping Service | $2,000 | $10,000 | 1-2 months | $200 - $2,000 |
| Notary Business | $1,000 | $5,000 | 1-2 weeks | $100 - $1,000 |
| Coworking Space | $100,000 | $500,000 | 3-6 months | $10,000 - $40,000 |
| Virtual Assistant Business | $500 | $3,000 | 1-2 weeks | $50 - $500 |
| Financial Advisory Practice | $10,000 | $50,000 | 2-6 months | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Franchise Business | $20,000 | $1,000,000 | 3-12 months | $5,000 - $50,000 |
| Property Management Company | $5,000 | $50,000 | 1-3 months | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Real Estate Investment Business | $20,000 | $500,000 | 1-3 months | $500 - $10,000 |
| Security Company | $10,000 | $100,000 | 1-3 months | $3,000 - $30,000 |
See Costs by City
Choose a city to see professional services startup costs adjusted for local market conditions.