Updated May 2026 190 Comparisons
Compare Legal Costs by State
Pick any two states to compare LLC fees, divorce costs, small claims limits, and notary fees side by side.
Why Compare Legal Costs Between States?
Choosing where to form an LLC, file for divorce, or pursue a small claims case can save — or cost — hundreds of dollars depending on the state. Wyoming charges $100 to form an LLC; California charges $70 but adds a mandatory $800 annual franchise tax. Delaware's Court of Chancery is famously business-friendly, while Tennessee allows small claims up to $25,000 — among the highest limits in the country. Our side-by-side comparisons put every major legal cost category in one table so you can make informed decisions without hunting through 50 different government websites.
How to use this tool
- Pick a comparison from the popular list below, or browse "All State Comparisons" to find your pair.
- Each comparison page shows LLC fees, annual costs, divorce filing fees, small claims limits, and notary caps side by side.
- A winner badge highlights the cheaper or more favorable state for each cost category automatically.
Most Popular Comparisons
Delaware vs Wyoming
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Wyoming vs Nevada
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Texas vs Florida
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
California vs Nevada
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Delaware vs Nevada
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Texas vs Wyoming
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Florida vs Georgia
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
New York vs Delaware
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Colorado vs Wyoming
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
California vs Texas
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Florida vs Texas
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
Virginia vs North Carolina
LLC · Divorce · Small Claims · Notary →
All State Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state is cheapest to form an LLC?
Kentucky has the lowest LLC filing fee at $40, followed by Arkansas ($45) and Colorado ($50). However, the cheapest filing fee does not always mean the lowest total cost — states like New York add $1,000+ in mandatory publication costs. For ongoing costs, New Mexico and Wyoming have no annual report fees. Wyoming is often considered the overall best value for LLCs.
Does it matter which state I form my LLC in if I live somewhere else?
Yes, it matters. If you form your LLC in Wyoming but conduct business in California, you must register as a foreign LLC in California (paying both states' fees), follow California regulations, and pay California taxes. The "form in a low-cost state" strategy mainly benefits businesses with no physical presence that operate entirely online. Most small businesses save money by forming in their home state.
Which state has the highest small claims court limit?
Delaware and Tennessee have the highest small claims limits at $25,000, allowing more disputes to be resolved through the faster, cheaper small claims process. Most states fall in the $5,000–$10,000 range. Use the compare tool above to see side-by-side limits for any two states.
How do divorce filing fees compare across states?
Divorce filing fees range from about $70 in Wyoming to over $400 in California and some other states. Service of process (serving your spouse) adds $30–$100 in most states. California counties sometimes charge additional surcharges that push total filing costs above $500. The cheapest states for divorce are Wyoming, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Are notary fees regulated by the state?
Yes — most US states cap the fees notaries can charge per notarial act. Caps typically range from $2–$15 per acknowledgment, though some states like California cap it at $15, while others like Florida allow up to $10. About 10 states have no fee cap, letting notaries charge market rates. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is now permitted in most states, typically with a separate fee cap of $10–$25 per act.