Startup cost calculator

Pick a business to see an itemized startup budget, monthly costs and when you’d break even. Adjust everything.

BusinessFull sample plan →

Startup costs

$2,178

FrugalComfortable

LLC formation and business license$205
Management agreement and owner contract review$408
General liability and professional insurance$543
Pricing and messaging software (first 3 months)$170
Website and listing audit templates$240
Linen, supply, and cleaning kit stock for first two properties$340
Smart lock and sensor samplesoptional$205
Photography coordination for first listingsoptional$210
Launch marketing and networking$273

Monthly fixed costs after launch: $640

Year-one projection

Avg price per managed listing per monthDemand vs plan: 100%

Monthly revenue · bars turn orange once cumulative cash is positive

Month 12 revenue: $7,200
Month 12 profit: $4,544
Break-even: Month 6

Illustrative estimate based on the sample plan’s assumptions — not financial advice. Your costs and results will differ.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start a small business?

It depends heavily on the model. Service businesses that sell a skill can start for under $1,000; equipment-based local services like pressure washing or detailing usually need $2,000–$10,000; storefronts, food trucks and restaurants commonly need $50,000 or more. Pick a business in the calculator to see an itemized estimate.

What should a startup budget include?

One-time costs (equipment, inventory, licenses and permits, insurance deposits, website, branding, initial marketing) plus a cash reserve covering several months of fixed costs, because most businesses take time to reach break-even.

How do I calculate break-even?

Break-even is the point where cumulative profit covers your startup costs. Each month, profit equals revenue minus variable costs minus fixed costs; add those up from month one until the running total exceeds what you spent to launch.