Startup Cost Calculator
Pick a business type to see what it typically costs to open. Every line has a low and high estimate and a source; with JavaScript on, drag each line to match your plans.
Landscaping Business: estimated startup costs
Assumes: Owner-operator landscaping business (design, planting, light hardscape) in California, using a truck and trailer the owner already has. California requires a C-27 landscaping contractor license for jobs of $500 or more in labor and materials; other states differ.
| Cost line | Low | High | Your estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State contractor license (California C-27 example)CSLB original application $450 plus initial sole owner license fee $200. Other states differ or have no state license. | $650 | $650 | California Contractors State License Board | |
| License and permit bond (first year)Insureon median for landscapers, $9 per month or $112 a year. | $112 | $112 | Insureonest. | |
| General liability or BOP insurance (first year)Landscapers' median general liability $761 a year; BOP $1,101 a year. | $761 | $1,101 | Insureonest. | |
| Commercial auto insurance (first year)Landscapers' median, $299 per month or $3,590 a year. | $3,590 | $3,590 | Insureonest. | |
| Tools and equipment (inland marine) insurance (first year)Landscapers' median, $53 per month or $637 a year. | $637 | $637 | Insureonest. | |
| Professional string trimmerSTIHL FS 91 R listed price. | $380 | $380 | STIHL Inc. | |
| Professional backpack blowerSTIHL BR 600 listed price. | $550 | $550 | STIHL Inc. | |
| LLC formation filing fee (state example)South Dakota example: $150 filed online, $165 on paper. Fees differ by state; check your Secretary of State. | $150 | $165 | South Dakota Secretary of State | |
| Scheduling and invoicing software (first year)Jobber Core plan, 1 user: $29 per month billed annually up to $49 per month with no commitment (12 months). | $348 | $588 | Jobber | |
| Website builder plan (first year)Squarespace plans start at $19 per month paid annually (12 x $19). Domain and higher plans not included. | $228 | $228 | Squarespace | |
| Total | $7,406 | $8,001 |
These are estimates for planning only, not financial advice. Real costs depend on your city, your suppliers and the choices you make. Get quotes before you commit money.
Startup cost ranges at a glance
| Business | Category | Low | High | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Food & Drink | $46,906 | $89,503 | November 2026 |
| Coffee Shop | Food & Drink | $22,332 | $87,967 | November 2026 |
| Cleaning Business | Home Services | $2,046 | $2,690 | November 2026 |
| Landscaping Business | Home Services | $7,406 | $8,001 | November 2026 |
| Lawn Care Business | Home Services | $9,239 | $14,104 | November 2026 |
| Dropshipping Store | Online | $1,308 | $4,118 | November 2026 |
| Vending Machines | Retail | $9,000 | $35,970 | November 2026 |
| Clothing Brand | Creative | $1,664 | $4,631 | November 2026 |
| Photography Business | Creative | $4,088 | $6,299 | November 2026 |
How we build these estimates
- Each business is broken into the costs you pay before opening day. Every line has its own source, listed in the table.
- We prefer government sources (fees, wages) and published list prices. Where neither exists we use an established industry publisher's estimate and mark it "est.". Lines we cannot source are left out rather than guessed.
- Totals are the sum of the lines, so the low total assumes the cheapest choice on every line and the high total the most expensive.
- Figures are national. Rent, wages and permit fees vary a lot by city; we do not adjust for location yet.
Spotted a number that looks wrong? Tell us. See our editorial policy.