List every one-time cost (registration, licenses, equipment, deposits, initial inventory, website build, signage) and every monthly cost (rent, insurance, software, utilities, supplies, website care, marketing). Multiply monthly costs by the months until you expect steady revenue, add a contingency, and you have a startup budget. Our free calculator does the math with your own numbers.
One-time vs monthly
| One-time | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Business registration and licenses | Rent or commissary fees |
| Equipment and vehicle | Insurance premiums |
| Security deposits | Software and phone |
| Initial inventory and supplies | Utilities |
| Website build and domain setup | Website care and hosting |
| Signage and uniforms | Marketing and advertising |
Steps
- List one-time costs. Use quotes, not guesses, for the big items.
- List monthly costs. Include small subscriptions; they add up.
- Choose your runway. How many months until revenue covers the bills?
- Add a contingency. Many owners add 10 to 20 percent for surprises.
- Compare to funding. Your savings and any funding should cover the total.
Use the worksheet
Open the startup cost calculator: enter each item, choose runway months and contingency, and it totals everything in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Worked example
Priya is opening a small nail studio. She makes two columns. One-time: lease deposit, build-out quote, ventilation quote, pedicure chairs, manicure tables, lamps, opening product order, licenses, insurance down payment, logo and website setup. Monthly: rent, insurance, booking software, supplies, utilities, card fees, website care, her own pay. She gets two quotes for the build-out and ventilation, because those vary most, and adds a cushion for surprises. She multiplies monthly costs by the months she expects before the studio is fully booked, giving a clearer picture of how much cash she needs before the first appointment.
Common mistakes
- Using averages instead of quotes
- Forgetting deposits and installation
- Leaving out the owner's pay
- No cushion for surprises
Keep the worksheet alive
Update the worksheet as real invoices arrive so you can see where estimates were off.
Common questions
What is a typical startup cost?
It depends heavily on the industry and location, from a few hundred dollars for a home service business to six figures for a restaurant. Use quotes for your own situation.
Should startup costs include my salary?
If you need to pay yourself before revenue arrives, include it in the monthly costs for your runway period.
How big should my cushion be?
There is no fixed rule; many owners add a meaningful percentage for surprises. An accountant can help set it based on your business.
Do I include taxes in startup costs?
Include sales tax on purchases and any registration or license fees; income taxes come later and depend on your situation.
Should I include marketing?
Yes, list launch marketing, signage and the website as one-time costs, and ongoing marketing as monthly.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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