Startup Costs in Massachusetts

Data current as of May 2026

Massachusetts offers access to a highly educated workforce, world-class universities, and a strong innovation economy centered around Boston and Cambridge. The trade-off is high costs across the board - the $500 LLC filing and $500 annual report fee are among the highest in the nation. The state's new 4% surtax on income over $1 million adds to the tax burden for successful businesses.

Massachusetts (MA) by the Numbers

LLC Filing Fee
$500
Annual Report
$500
State Income Tax
9.00%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Min Wage
$15.00/hr
Cost of Living
1.25x
Labor Cost
1.20x
Rent Index
1.35x

What Massachusetts' Numbers Mean for Founders

  • State income tax tops out at 9.00%, one of the higher rates in the country.
  • Labor costs run 20% above the national average, so factor higher payroll into your first-year budget.
  • Commercial rent sits 35% above the national average, especially in Boston and the larger metros.
  • Minimum wage is $15.00/hour - on the high end nationally, which lifts your entry-level labor costs.
Capital: Boston
Major metros: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge
Top industries: Technology, Biotechnology, Education, Healthcare

Massachusetts Cost Guides (10)