LLC by State Guide

LLC by State Guide › Compare › California vs New York

California vs New York LLC (2026)

California is cheaper to form, by $130. New York is cheaper to keep, by $5.50 a year. Over five years California costs $108 less in state fees. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, files in either state for $199 a year.

  • Official sources, checked October 20, 2026

Side by side

MeasureCaliforniaNew York
Filing fee$70$200
Yearly reportEvery 2 years, $20Every 2 years, $9
Report cost per year$10$4.50
5-year state cost$110$218
10-year state cost$170$245
Registered agentRequiredOptional
Change-agent fee$0$30
ExtrasExtra state tax or feePublication notice, Extra state tax or fee
Best overall in either state

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Is California or New York cheaper for an LLC?

California is cheaper to form, by $130. New York is cheaper to keep, by $5.50 a year. Over five years California costs $108 less in state fees.

Which has the lower filing fee, California or New York?

California: $70. New York: $200.

Do I need a registered agent in California and New York?

California: required. New York: optional.

Sources