Quick Answer: Most and Least Expensive States
The most expensive state in this model is California, with a composite cost score of 83.6. The least expensive state is South Dakota, with a score of 11.2. The top five most expensive states are California (#1), Massachusetts (#2), New York (#3), Washington (#4), New Jersey (#5). The five lowest-cost states are Indiana (#46), Oklahoma (#47), Missouri (#48), Mississippi (#49), South Dakota (#50).
Top 10 Most Expensive
- #1 California: score 83.6
- #2 Massachusetts: score 81.3
- #3 New York: score 74.9
- #4 Washington: score 73.9
- #5 New Jersey: score 68.9
- #6 Connecticut: score 68.4
- #7 Colorado: score 57.5
- #8 Maryland: score 54.6
- #9 Hawaii: score 54.3
- #10 Rhode Island: score 50.3
Bottom 10 Least Expensive
- #41 Montana: score 22.1
- #42 Idaho: score 21.4
- #43 Nebraska: score 21.4
- #44 Iowa: score 21.4
- #45 Wyoming: score 20.1
- #46 Indiana: score 20.0
- #47 Oklahoma: score 19.9
- #48 Missouri: score 19.6
- #49 Mississippi: score 12.8
- #50 South Dakota: score 11.2
This is not a best-state ranking. A high-cost state may still be the right market if customers, talent, logistics, supplier access, or revenue density outweigh the added costs. The ranking is designed to help founders and employers budget realistically before payroll, leases, tax registrations, and compliance work begin.
How the Ranking Was Built
To rank every U.S. state from most to least expensive, TimeTrex used a weighted cost model. Each input was normalized from 0 to 100 across the 50 states, then combined into one score. Higher scores mean higher expected cost pressure for a typical employer that has people, payroll, space needs, utility usage, and state entity maintenance.
Labor is the largest weight because payroll is usually the largest controllable operating cost for employers. Tax structure is second because state tax systems affect payroll administration, pass-through owners, property, sales, unemployment insurance design, and corporate taxpayers. Real-estate price pressure uses BEA housing price parity as a statewide space-cost proxy; it is not a perfect commercial lease quote, but it is a consistent official price-level signal across all states.
The model deliberately gives startup fees a modest weight. Filing and annual-report fees matter to a new founder, but they should not overpower recurring labor, payroll tax, tax structure, rent, and utility costs. A state with a high LLC fee can still be inexpensive to run in if payroll, rent, and tax factors are favorable.
Complete Ranking: Every State From Most to Least Expensive
The table below ranks every state by composite score. The score is relative: 100 would mean the highest state value on every measured input, while 0 would mean the lowest state value on every measured input.
| Rank |
State |
Score |
Tier |
Private Avg Pay |
Housing RPP |
Power cents/kWh |
Tax Rank |
UI Cost |
LLC First Year |
| 1 | California | 83.6 | Very high cost | $97,184 | 154.3 | 25.5 | 48 | 0.32% | $880 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 81.3 | Very high cost | $101,877 | 128.1 | 20.9 | 43 | 0.46% | $1,000 |
| 3 | New York | 74.9 | Very high cost | $100,946 | 122.2 | 18.8 | 50 | 0.44% | $204 |
| 4 | Washington | 73.9 | Very high cost | $101,770 | 126.0 | 10.0 | 45 | 0.62% | $260 |
| 5 | New Jersey | 68.9 | Very high cost | $86,713 | 134.3 | 14.6 | 49 | 0.80% | $200 |
| 6 | Connecticut | 68.4 | Very high cost | $92,518 | 117.0 | 21.2 | 47 | 0.53% | $200 |
| 7 | Colorado | 57.5 | Very high cost | $85,476 | 127.4 | 11.7 | 33 | 0.71% | $75 |
| 8 | Maryland | 54.6 | Very high cost | $78,614 | 121.1 | 13.0 | 46 | 0.18% | $400 |
| 9 | Hawaii | 54.3 | Very high cost | $67,661 | 125.3 | 38.2 | 41 | 0.60% | $65 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 50.3 | Very high cost | $69,365 | 105.6 | 21.1 | 40 | 0.86% | $200 |
| 11 | Oregon | 49.5 | Above-average cost | $71,982 | 108.6 | 10.1 | 35 | 1.07% | $200 |
| 12 | Illinois | 49.5 | Above-average cost | $81,147 | 93.9 | 11.8 | 38 | 0.49% | $225 |
| 13 | Minnesota | 47.4 | Above-average cost | $77,518 | 91.3 | 12.2 | 44 | 0.39% | $155 |
| 14 | Nevada | 46.2 | Above-average cost | $68,394 | 114.1 | 10.2 | 20 | 1.01% | $775 |
| 15 | Virginia | 42.3 | Above-average cost | $80,161 | 106.8 | 8.7 | 30 | 0.08% | $150 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 41.4 | Above-average cost | $74,385 | 85.1 | 11.0 | 36 | 0.50% | $132 |
| 17 | Vermont | 40.6 | Above-average cost | $66,766 | 86.5 | 18.9 | 42 | 0.41% | $200 |
| 18 | Delaware | 39.3 | Above-average cost | $75,517 | 102.0 | 12.2 | 24 | 0.13% | $410 |
| 19 | Alaska | 38.4 | Above-average cost | $75,129 | 93.8 | 21.6 | 4 | 0.85% | $300 |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 38.1 | Above-average cost | $82,605 | 114.9 | 19.4 | 3 | 0.10% | $200 |
| 21 | Ohio | 33.6 | Above-average cost | $67,920 | 73.0 | 10.7 | 39 | 0.32% | $99 |
| 22 | Texas | 33.1 | Above-average cost | $79,409 | 96.5 | 8.6 | 7 | 0.22% | $300 |
| 23 | Maine | 32.4 | Above-average cost | $65,985 | 78.9 | 18.2 | 26 | 0.39% | $260 |
| 24 | Georgia | 31.4 | Above-average cost | $74,157 | 88.7 | 10.9 | 18 | 0.16% | $170 |
| 25 | Arizona | 31.3 | Above-average cost | $72,784 | 106.8 | 12.2 | 14 | 0.15% | $50 |
| 26 | Florida | 31.1 | Moderate cost | $72,725 | 122.1 | 11.0 | 5 | 0.07% | $264 |
| 27 | Utah | 30.6 | Moderate cost | $69,809 | 107.8 | 9.4 | 15 | 0.29% | $77 |
| 28 | Michigan | 29.5 | Moderate cost | $70,847 | 82.3 | 14.0 | 16 | 0.39% | $75 |
| 29 | North Carolina | 28.9 | Moderate cost | $72,188 | 81.4 | 10.6 | 13 | 0.26% | $325 |
| 30 | Alabama | 27.5 | Moderate cost | $63,695 | 61.8 | 13.6 | 37 | 0.07% | $250 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | 27.3 | Moderate cost | $66,612 | 79.3 | 12.6 | 21 | 0.29% | $155 |
| 32 | Tennessee | 26.7 | Moderate cost | $70,727 | 79.1 | 12.1 | 8 | 0.12% | $600 |
| 33 | South Carolina | 26.4 | Moderate cost | $63,462 | 80.5 | 10.6 | 29 | 0.17% | $110 |
| 34 | New Mexico | 25.3 | Moderate cost | $61,026 | 73.6 | 10.5 | 28 | 0.46% | $50 |
| 35 | Louisiana | 24.4 | Moderate cost | $63,596 | 63.1 | 10.5 | 31 | 0.18% | $135 |
| 36 | Kansas | 23.8 | Moderate cost | $64,723 | 71.2 | 11.2 | 23 | 0.14% | $210 |
| 37 | Arkansas | 23.2 | Moderate cost | $61,624 | 58.2 | 10.2 | 34 | 0.12% | $195 |
| 38 | West Virginia | 23.1 | Moderate cost | $59,835 | 54.2 | 11.6 | 32 | 0.41% | $125 |
| 39 | North Dakota | 22.6 | Moderate cost | $68,980 | 71.4 | 7.2 | 11 | 0.34% | $185 |
| 40 | Kentucky | 22.6 | Moderate cost | $62,666 | 64.3 | 11.5 | 25 | 0.32% | $55 |
| 41 | Montana | 22.1 | Lowest-cost group | $62,491 | 84.6 | 11.9 | 6 | 0.69% | $55 |
| 42 | Idaho | 21.4 | Lowest-cost group | $63,198 | 90.0 | 9.2 | 9 | 0.39% | $100 |
| 43 | Nebraska | 21.4 | Lowest-cost group | $62,987 | 75.2 | 8.4 | 22 | 0.15% | $106 |
| 44 | Iowa | 21.4 | Lowest-cost group | $63,661 | 65.3 | 10.2 | 17 | 0.47% | $65 |
| 45 | Wyoming | 20.1 | Lowest-cost group | $63,303 | 71.1 | 9.3 | 1 | 0.86% | $160 |
| 46 | Indiana | 20.0 | Lowest-cost group | $65,795 | 73.9 | 12.4 | 10 | 0.21% | $110 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | 19.9 | Lowest-cost group | $60,835 | 62.8 | 8.9 | 19 | 0.48% | $125 |
| 48 | Missouri | 19.6 | Lowest-cost group | $67,268 | 69.9 | 10.3 | 12 | 0.17% | $50 |
| 49 | Mississippi | 12.8 | Lowest-cost group | $52,628 | 56.5 | 12.3 | 27 | 0.10% | $50 |
| 50 | South Dakota | 11.2 | Lowest-cost group | $61,041 | 67.6 | 10.6 | 2 | 0.09% | $205 |
State-by-State Cost Notes
These notes summarize the main cost forces behind each state's position. They are written for business planning, not legal or tax advice: the right state still depends on where the work is performed, where employees are located, where customers are served, and which taxes apply to the specific entity and industry.
#1
California CA
Cost score: 83.6 / 100 - Very high cost
California lands in the very high cost because BEA housing price parity is 154.3 and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 48 of 50. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.32% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 25.5 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $97,184
- Housing RPP
- 154.3
- Commercial power
- 25.5 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 48 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.32% of wages
- LLC first year
- $880
#2
Massachusetts MA
Cost score: 81.3 / 100 - Very high cost
Massachusetts lands in the very high cost because private-sector pay averages $101,877 a year and first-year LLC state fees are about $1,000. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.46% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 20.9 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $101,877
- Housing RPP
- 128.1
- Commercial power
- 20.9 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 43 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.46% of wages
- LLC first year
- $1,000
#3
New York NY
Cost score: 74.9 / 100 - Very high cost
New York lands in the very high cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 50 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $100,946 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $204 and UI contributions equal 0.44% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $100,946
- Housing RPP
- 122.2
- Commercial power
- 18.8 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 50 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.44% of wages
- LLC first year
- $204
#4
Washington WA
Cost score: 73.9 / 100 - Very high cost
Washington lands in the very high cost because private-sector pay averages $101,770 a year and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 45 of 50. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 10.0 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $260, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $101,770
- Housing RPP
- 126.0
- Commercial power
- 10.0 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 45 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.62% of wages
- LLC first year
- $260
#5
New Jersey NJ
Cost score: 68.9 / 100 - Very high cost
New Jersey lands in the very high cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 49 of 50 and BEA housing price parity is 134.3. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $200 and commercial electricity averages 14.6 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $86,713
- Housing RPP
- 134.3
- Commercial power
- 14.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 49 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.80% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#6
Connecticut CT
Cost score: 68.4 / 100 - Very high cost
Connecticut lands in the very high cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 47 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $92,518 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $200 and commercial electricity averages 21.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $92,518
- Housing RPP
- 117.0
- Commercial power
- 21.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 47 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.53% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#7
Colorado CO
Cost score: 57.5 / 100 - Very high cost
Colorado lands in the very high cost because BEA housing price parity is 127.4 and private-sector pay averages $85,476 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $75 and commercial electricity averages 11.7 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $85,476
- Housing RPP
- 127.4
- Commercial power
- 11.7 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 33 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.71% of wages
- LLC first year
- $75
#8
Maryland MD
Cost score: 54.6 / 100 - Very high cost
Maryland lands in the very high cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 46 of 50 and BEA housing price parity is 121.1. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.18% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 13.0 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $78,614
- Housing RPP
- 121.1
- Commercial power
- 13.0 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 46 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.18% of wages
- LLC first year
- $400
#9
Hawaii HI
Cost score: 54.3 / 100 - Very high cost
Hawaii lands in the very high cost because commercial electricity averages 38.2 cents per kWh and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 41 of 50. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $65 and private-sector pay averages $67,661 a year, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $67,661
- Housing RPP
- 125.3
- Commercial power
- 38.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 41 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.60% of wages
- LLC first year
- $65
#10
Rhode Island RI
Cost score: 50.3 / 100 - Very high cost
Rhode Island lands in the very high cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 40 of 50 and UI contributions equal 0.86% of private wages. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $200 and private-sector pay averages $69,365 a year, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $69,365
- Housing RPP
- 105.6
- Commercial power
- 21.1 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 40 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.86% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#11
Oregon OR
Cost score: 49.5 / 100 - Above-average cost
Oregon lands in the above-average cost because UI contributions equal 1.07% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 35 of 50. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 10.1 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $200, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $71,982
- Housing RPP
- 108.6
- Commercial power
- 10.1 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 35 of 50
- UI cost
- 1.07% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#12
Illinois IL
Cost score: 49.5 / 100 - Above-average cost
Illinois lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 38 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $81,147 a year. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 11.8 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $225, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $81,147
- Housing RPP
- 93.9
- Commercial power
- 11.8 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 38 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.49% of wages
- LLC first year
- $225
#13
Minnesota MN
Cost score: 47.4 / 100 - Above-average cost
Minnesota lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 44 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $77,518 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $155 and commercial electricity averages 12.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $77,518
- Housing RPP
- 91.3
- Commercial power
- 12.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 44 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.39% of wages
- LLC first year
- $155
#14
Nevada NV
Cost score: 46.2 / 100 - Above-average cost
Nevada lands in the above-average cost because UI contributions equal 1.01% of private wages and first-year LLC state fees are about $775. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 10.2 cents per kWh and private-sector pay averages $68,394 a year, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $68,394
- Housing RPP
- 114.1
- Commercial power
- 10.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 20 of 50
- UI cost
- 1.01% of wages
- LLC first year
- $775
#15
Virginia VA
Cost score: 42.3 / 100 - Above-average cost
Virginia lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 30 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $80,161 a year. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.08% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 8.7 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $80,161
- Housing RPP
- 106.8
- Commercial power
- 8.7 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 30 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.08% of wages
- LLC first year
- $150
#16
Pennsylvania PA
Cost score: 41.4 / 100 - Above-average cost
Pennsylvania lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 36 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $74,385 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $132 and commercial electricity averages 11.0 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $74,385
- Housing RPP
- 85.1
- Commercial power
- 11.0 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 36 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.50% of wages
- LLC first year
- $132
#17
Vermont VT
Cost score: 40.6 / 100 - Above-average cost
Vermont lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 42 of 50 and commercial electricity averages 18.9 cents per kWh. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $200 and private-sector pay averages $66,766 a year, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $66,766
- Housing RPP
- 86.5
- Commercial power
- 18.9 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 42 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.41% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#18
Delaware DE
Cost score: 39.3 / 100 - Above-average cost
Delaware lands in the above-average cost because BEA housing price parity is 102.0 and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 24 of 50. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.13% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 12.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $75,517
- Housing RPP
- 102.0
- Commercial power
- 12.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 24 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.13% of wages
- LLC first year
- $410
#19
Alaska AK
Cost score: 38.4 / 100 - Above-average cost
Alaska lands in the above-average cost because UI contributions equal 0.85% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 21.6 cents per kWh. Its main offset is that the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 4 of 50 and first-year LLC state fees are about $300, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $75,129
- Housing RPP
- 93.8
- Commercial power
- 21.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 4 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.85% of wages
- LLC first year
- $300
#20
New Hampshire NH
Cost score: 38.1 / 100 - Above-average cost
New Hampshire lands in the above-average cost because private-sector pay averages $82,605 a year and BEA housing price parity is 114.9. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.10% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 3 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $82,605
- Housing RPP
- 114.9
- Commercial power
- 19.4 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 3 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.10% of wages
- LLC first year
- $200
#21
Ohio OH
Cost score: 33.6 / 100 - Above-average cost
Ohio lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 39 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $67,920 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $99 and commercial electricity averages 10.7 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $67,920
- Housing RPP
- 73.0
- Commercial power
- 10.7 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 39 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.32% of wages
- LLC first year
- $99
#22
Texas TX
Cost score: 33.1 / 100 - Above-average cost
Texas lands in the above-average cost because private-sector pay averages $79,409 a year and BEA housing price parity is 96.5. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 8.6 cents per kWh and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 7 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $79,409
- Housing RPP
- 96.5
- Commercial power
- 8.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 7 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.22% of wages
- LLC first year
- $300
#23
Maine ME
Cost score: 32.4 / 100 - Above-average cost
Maine lands in the above-average cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 26 of 50 and commercial electricity averages 18.2 cents per kWh. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $260 and BEA housing price parity is 78.9, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $65,985
- Housing RPP
- 78.9
- Commercial power
- 18.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 26 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.39% of wages
- LLC first year
- $260
#24
Georgia GA
Cost score: 31.4 / 100 - Above-average cost
Georgia lands in the above-average cost because private-sector pay averages $74,157 a year and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 18 of 50. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.16% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 10.9 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $74,157
- Housing RPP
- 88.7
- Commercial power
- 10.9 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 18 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.16% of wages
- LLC first year
- $170
#25
Arizona AZ
Cost score: 31.3 / 100 - Above-average cost
Arizona lands in the above-average cost because BEA housing price parity is 106.8 and private-sector pay averages $72,784 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $50 and UI contributions equal 0.15% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $72,784
- Housing RPP
- 106.8
- Commercial power
- 12.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 14 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.15% of wages
- LLC first year
- $50
#26
Florida FL
Cost score: 31.1 / 100 - Moderate cost
Florida lands in the moderate cost because BEA housing price parity is 122.1 and private-sector pay averages $72,725 a year. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.07% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 5 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $72,725
- Housing RPP
- 122.1
- Commercial power
- 11.0 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 5 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.07% of wages
- LLC first year
- $264
#27
Utah UT
Cost score: 30.6 / 100 - Moderate cost
Utah lands in the moderate cost because BEA housing price parity is 107.8 and private-sector pay averages $69,809 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $77 and commercial electricity averages 9.4 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $69,809
- Housing RPP
- 107.8
- Commercial power
- 9.4 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 15 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.29% of wages
- LLC first year
- $77
#28
Michigan MI
Cost score: 29.5 / 100 - Moderate cost
Michigan lands in the moderate cost because private-sector pay averages $70,847 a year and UI contributions equal 0.39% of private wages. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $75 and commercial electricity averages 14.0 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $70,847
- Housing RPP
- 82.3
- Commercial power
- 14.0 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 16 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.39% of wages
- LLC first year
- $75
#29
North Carolina NC
Cost score: 28.9 / 100 - Moderate cost
North Carolina lands in the moderate cost because private-sector pay averages $72,188 a year and first-year LLC state fees are about $325. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 10.6 cents per kWh and UI contributions equal 0.26% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $72,188
- Housing RPP
- 81.4
- Commercial power
- 10.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 13 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.26% of wages
- LLC first year
- $325
#30
Alabama AL
Cost score: 27.5 / 100 - Moderate cost
Alabama lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 37 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $63,695 a year. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.07% of private wages and BEA housing price parity is 61.8, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,695
- Housing RPP
- 61.8
- Commercial power
- 13.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 37 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.07% of wages
- LLC first year
- $250
#31
Wisconsin WI
Cost score: 27.3 / 100 - Moderate cost
Wisconsin lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 21 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $66,612 a year. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $155 and commercial electricity averages 12.6 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $66,612
- Housing RPP
- 79.3
- Commercial power
- 12.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 21 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.29% of wages
- LLC first year
- $155
#32
Tennessee TN
Cost score: 26.7 / 100 - Moderate cost
Tennessee lands in the moderate cost because first-year LLC state fees are about $600 and private-sector pay averages $70,727 a year. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.12% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 8 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $70,727
- Housing RPP
- 79.1
- Commercial power
- 12.1 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 8 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.12% of wages
- LLC first year
- $600
#33
South Carolina SC
Cost score: 26.4 / 100 - Moderate cost
South Carolina lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 29 of 50 and BEA housing price parity is 80.5. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $110 and UI contributions equal 0.17% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,462
- Housing RPP
- 80.5
- Commercial power
- 10.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 29 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.17% of wages
- LLC first year
- $110
#34
New Mexico NM
Cost score: 25.3 / 100 - Moderate cost
New Mexico lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 28 of 50 and UI contributions equal 0.46% of private wages. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $50 and commercial electricity averages 10.5 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $61,026
- Housing RPP
- 73.6
- Commercial power
- 10.5 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 28 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.46% of wages
- LLC first year
- $50
#35
Louisiana LA
Cost score: 24.4 / 100 - Moderate cost
Louisiana lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 31 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $63,596 a year. Its main offset is that BEA housing price parity is 63.1 and first-year LLC state fees are about $135, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,596
- Housing RPP
- 63.1
- Commercial power
- 10.5 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 31 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.18% of wages
- LLC first year
- $135
#36
Kansas KS
Cost score: 23.8 / 100 - Moderate cost
Kansas lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 23 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $64,723 a year. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.14% of private wages and commercial electricity averages 11.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $64,723
- Housing RPP
- 71.2
- Commercial power
- 11.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 23 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.14% of wages
- LLC first year
- $210
#37
Arkansas AR
Cost score: 23.2 / 100 - Moderate cost
Arkansas lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 34 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $61,624 a year. Its main offset is that BEA housing price parity is 58.2 and UI contributions equal 0.12% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $61,624
- Housing RPP
- 58.2
- Commercial power
- 10.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 34 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.12% of wages
- LLC first year
- $195
#38
West Virginia WV
Cost score: 23.1 / 100 - Moderate cost
West Virginia lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 32 of 50 and UI contributions equal 0.41% of private wages. Its main offset is that BEA housing price parity is 54.2 and first-year LLC state fees are about $125, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $59,835
- Housing RPP
- 54.2
- Commercial power
- 11.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 32 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.41% of wages
- LLC first year
- $125
#39
North Dakota ND
Cost score: 22.6 / 100 - Moderate cost
North Dakota lands in the moderate cost because private-sector pay averages $68,980 a year and UI contributions equal 0.34% of private wages. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 7.2 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $185, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $68,980
- Housing RPP
- 71.4
- Commercial power
- 7.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 11 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.34% of wages
- LLC first year
- $185
#40
Kentucky KY
Cost score: 22.6 / 100 - Moderate cost
Kentucky lands in the moderate cost because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 25 of 50 and UI contributions equal 0.32% of private wages. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $55 and BEA housing price parity is 64.3, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $62,666
- Housing RPP
- 64.3
- Commercial power
- 11.5 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 25 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.32% of wages
- LLC first year
- $55
#41
Montana MT
Cost score: 22.1 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Montana lands in the lowest-cost group because UI contributions equal 0.69% of private wages and BEA housing price parity is 84.6. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $55 and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 6 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $62,491
- Housing RPP
- 84.6
- Commercial power
- 11.9 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 6 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.69% of wages
- LLC first year
- $55
#42
Idaho ID
Cost score: 21.4 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Idaho lands in the lowest-cost group because BEA housing price parity is 90.0 and UI contributions equal 0.39% of private wages. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $100 and commercial electricity averages 9.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,198
- Housing RPP
- 90.0
- Commercial power
- 9.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 9 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.39% of wages
- LLC first year
- $100
#43
Nebraska NE
Cost score: 21.4 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Nebraska lands in the lowest-cost group because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 22 of 50 and private-sector pay averages $62,987 a year. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 8.4 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $106, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $62,987
- Housing RPP
- 75.2
- Commercial power
- 8.4 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 22 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.15% of wages
- LLC first year
- $106
#44
Iowa IA
Cost score: 21.4 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Iowa lands in the lowest-cost group because UI contributions equal 0.47% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 17 of 50. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $65 and commercial electricity averages 10.2 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,661
- Housing RPP
- 65.3
- Commercial power
- 10.2 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 17 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.47% of wages
- LLC first year
- $65
#45
Wyoming WY
Cost score: 20.1 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Wyoming lands in the lowest-cost group because UI contributions equal 0.86% of private wages and private-sector pay averages $63,303 a year. Its main offset is that the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 1 of 50 and commercial electricity averages 9.3 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $63,303
- Housing RPP
- 71.1
- Commercial power
- 9.3 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 1 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.86% of wages
- LLC first year
- $160
#46
Indiana IN
Cost score: 20.0 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Indiana lands in the lowest-cost group because private-sector pay averages $65,795 a year and BEA housing price parity is 73.9. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $110 and UI contributions equal 0.21% of private wages, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $65,795
- Housing RPP
- 73.9
- Commercial power
- 12.4 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 10 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.21% of wages
- LLC first year
- $110
#47
Oklahoma OK
Cost score: 19.9 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Oklahoma lands in the lowest-cost group because UI contributions equal 0.48% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 19 of 50. Its main offset is that commercial electricity averages 8.9 cents per kWh and first-year LLC state fees are about $125, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $60,835
- Housing RPP
- 62.8
- Commercial power
- 8.9 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 19 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.48% of wages
- LLC first year
- $125
#48
Missouri MO
Cost score: 19.6 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Missouri lands in the lowest-cost group because private-sector pay averages $67,268 a year and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 12 of 50. Its main offset is that first-year LLC state fees are about $50 and commercial electricity averages 10.3 cents per kWh, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $67,268
- Housing RPP
- 69.9
- Commercial power
- 10.3 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 12 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.17% of wages
- LLC first year
- $50
#49
Mississippi MS
Cost score: 12.8 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
Mississippi lands in the lowest-cost group because the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 27 of 50 and commercial electricity averages 12.3 cents per kWh. Its main offset is that private-sector pay averages $52,628 a year and first-year LLC state fees are about $50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $52,628
- Housing RPP
- 56.5
- Commercial power
- 12.3 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 27 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.10% of wages
- LLC first year
- $50
#50
South Dakota SD
Cost score: 11.2 / 100 - Lowest-cost group
South Dakota lands in the lowest-cost group because private-sector pay averages $61,041 a year and first-year LLC state fees are about $205. Its main offset is that UI contributions equal 0.09% of private wages and the 2026 tax competitiveness rank is 2 of 50, so the cost picture changes if the business is light on those inputs.
Employers comparing this state should model payroll, overtime, scheduling coverage, and location-level taxes before assuming that a lower rent or lower filing fee will carry the full budget.
- Private avg pay
- $61,041
- Housing RPP
- 67.6
- Commercial power
- 10.6 cents/kWh
- Tax rank
- 2 of 50
- UI cost
- 0.09% of wages
- LLC first year
- $205
How Different Business Models Should Read the Ranking
Payroll-heavy employers
Restaurants, retailers, healthcare providers, construction firms, field service teams, manufacturers, and warehouses should focus first on labor, unemployment insurance cost, overtime risk, and scheduling efficiency. In these businesses, a few points of wage pressure can exceed the entire annual entity filing bill many times over.
Office and location-heavy teams
Professional services, clinics, storefronts, and local operations should pay close attention to the BEA price-parity input. The housing RPP is a proxy, but it often signals the same metro-level pressure that flows into leases, local wages, parking, commuting expectations, and hiring competition.
Energy-intensive operations
Manufacturing, food production, cold storage, data-heavy facilities, and repair shops should rerun the ranking with a larger electricity weight. A state that looks moderate in the general model can become expensive quickly when power is one of the top operating inputs.
Remote-first businesses
Remote-first companies should not treat a headquarters filing state as the whole answer. Payroll tax registration, unemployment insurance, paid leave, wage-and-hour rules, and nexus can follow employees and customers. A remote company should map cost by employee work state, not only by entity state.
Use the Ranking to Build a Cost-Control Operating System
State selection matters, but day-to-day operating discipline matters more after the business opens. TimeTrex helps employers connect scheduling, time and attendance, job costing, and payroll so state-level cost assumptions turn into controlled labor budgets instead of payroll surprises.
Cost-Control Checklist for Multi-State Employers
1. Model payroll by work state
Build labor budgets around where employees actually work. Include overtime, differentials, paid leave accruals, local taxes, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation assumptions, and realistic scheduling coverage.
2. Watch overtime leakage
Higher-wage states magnify small scheduling mistakes. A missed break, late approval, or avoidable overtime hour is more expensive where base wages and taxes are already high.
3. Separate startup from run-rate
Formation fees can shape a founder's first bill, but recurring costs decide survival. Review first-year costs and steady-state monthly costs separately before choosing a market.
4. Put tax setup in the launch plan
Before the first payroll, confirm withholding accounts, unemployment insurance registration, local tax obligations, sales tax accounts, and filing calendars. Cleanup after payroll starts is usually more expensive.
5. Use job costing early
Track labor against jobs, locations, departments, grants, clients, or crews from the start. State-level averages are useful, but margin protection happens at the job and shift level.
6. Refresh the model annually
Wages, UI tax schedules, electricity prices, filing fees, and tax rules change. Update state assumptions before each budget cycle, expansion plan, or relocation decision.
FAQ
What is the most expensive state to start and run a business?
In this composite ranking, California is the most expensive state, mainly because its score combines high recurring operating costs with multiple above-average cost drivers. A specific business can still rank states differently if it is remote-first, energy-intensive, property-heavy, or lightly staffed.
What is the least expensive state in the ranking?
South Dakota is the least expensive state in this model. Its low score does not mean every company should incorporate there; it means the measured cost inputs are relatively favorable compared with the other 49 states.
Why does the ranking use average pay instead of minimum wage?
Minimum wage laws matter, but many employers hire above the legal floor. BLS QCEW private-sector average annual pay captures broader wage pressure across actual covered employment, so it is a stronger recurring labor-cost proxy for a statewide ranking.
Does a high-cost state mean a business should avoid it?
No. High-cost states can also have larger markets, deeper talent pools, better logistics, stronger customer density, and higher revenue potential. The ranking is a budgeting tool, not a relocation command.
How should a payroll-heavy business use this ranking?
A payroll-heavy business should focus first on labor cost, unemployment insurance contribution intensity, tax structure, overtime exposure, scheduling efficiency, and timekeeping accuracy. Those costs usually dwarf the one-time LLC filing fee.
Why are LLC fees included if they are small?
Startup and annual entity fees are small compared with payroll, rent, and taxes, but they matter to new founders and are part of the cost to start a business. The model gives them an 8 percent weight so they influence the ranking without overpowering recurring costs.
Sources and Data Vintage
The ranking was researched and assembled on July 6, 2026. Because state taxes, unemployment insurance, electricity prices, and filing fees change, employers should refresh the inputs before making a final site-selection or incorporation decision.
BLS QCEW 2025 annual data: Private all-industry average annual pay, average weekly wage, total wages, and unemployment-insurance contributions. Source:
BLS QCEW downloadable data files.
EIA Electric Power Annual 2024: Commercial average retail electricity price by state, in cents per kilowatthour. Source:
EIA Electric Power Annual.
Tax Foundation 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index: Overall and component tax ranks. The Tax Foundation states that the report reflects tax systems as of July 1, 2025. Source:
2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index.
LLC University 2026 LLC fee table: Initial LLC filing fee and ongoing annual or biennial state maintenance fee. Source:
LLC filing fees by state 2026.
