You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

The 10 Most and Least Expensive Cities to Start a Business Looking for the perfect location to launch your new business? Check out these lists.

By Rose Leadem

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

DenisTangneyJr | Getty Images
Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Launching a startup doesn't have to cost a fortune.

In a recent study by SmartAssets, 80 cities across the U.S. were surveyed to uncover the least expensive places to start a business -- taking into account first-year costs, legal and accounting fees, payroll and overhead expenses. The numbers were estimated based on a company of five employees in a 1,000 square-foot office space. The study also looks at the most expensive cities for a new business, which no surprise include San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York.

Forget Silicon Valley, your best bet is to start small. Cities such as Chattanooga, Tenn., Wichita, Kan., and Knoxville, Tenn., are featured in the five least expensive places to launch. With lower rental prices, taxes and corporation costs, these tight-knit communities are a safe bet to jumpstart your new business' success. And as ideal as those big cities sound, they'll be sure to put a dent in your bottom line.

So if you're in search for the perfect location to launch your next venture, here's a list of the least and most expensive cities to start a business.


Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

He Took His Side Hustle Full-Time After Being Laid Off From Meta in 2023 — Now He Earns About $200,000 a Year: 'Sweet, Sweet Irony'

When Scott Goodfriend moved from Los Angeles to New York City, he became "obsessed" with the city's culinary offerings — and saw a business opportunity.

Travel

Save on Business Travel with Matt's Flight's Premium, Only $80 for Life

This premium plan features customized flight deal alerts and one-on-one planning with Matt himself.

Science & Technology

Here's One Reason Urban Transportation Won't Look the Same in a Decade

Micro-EVs may very well be the future of city driving. Here's why, and how investors can get ahead of it.

Health & Wellness

Do You Want to Live to Be 100? This Researcher Has the Answer to Why Longevity is Not a Quick Fix or Trendy Diet

Ozempic, cold plunges, sobriety and the latest health fads are not what science reveals will help you live a longer and healthier life.

Data & Recovery

Better Communicate Data with Your Team for $20 with Microsoft Visio

Visio features a wide range of diagramming tools that can support projects across all industries.