Bookkeeper Cost by City/State: What’s Reasonable?
Bookkeeping costs vary widely depending on location, transaction volume, and service structure. A bookkeeper in New York or San Francisco may charge double what one in Austin or Phoenix does. Understanding what drives those differences helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate fairly. This guide outlines average bookkeeping prices across major U.S. regions and explains how to interpret quotes with confidence.
Average Bookkeeping Rates by Region
While every business is unique, you can use these national averages as a reference:
| Region | Hourly Range | Monthly Package Range |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, NJ) | $60–$120 | $400–$950 |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $55–$110 | $350–$900 |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | $45–$90 | $300–$800 |
| South (TX, FL, GA) | $40–$80 | $250–$700 |
| Mountain & Southwest (AZ, CO, NV) | $40–$85 | $250–$750 |
Remote and virtual firms usually price at the lower end while still maintaining quality through automation and CPA review.
What Drives Bookkeeping Cost
Pricing depends on several practical factors:
- Transaction volume: More entries mean more time.
- Number of accounts: Each bank or credit card adds reconciliation work.
- Payroll and sales tax: Extra compliance steps increase time.
- Industry complexity: Construction, e-commerce, and multi-entity setups cost more.
- Level of review: CPA oversight adds value and slightly higher fees.
Hourly vs. Monthly Pricing Models
- Hourly billing fits short projects like cleanup or one-time catch-up work.
- Monthly packages are best for ongoing bookkeeping. They include reconciliations, financial statements, and support at a predictable cost.
Monthly service averages $250 to $800 for most small businesses and can scale with growth.
How to Evaluate a Quote
- Confirm what’s included: reconciliations, reports, AR/AP, and payroll.
- Ask if CPA review is part of the process.
- Compare the total annual cost, not just monthly fees.
- Check for setup or catch-up charges before onboarding.
- Review the SLA for turnaround times and deliverables.
A good quote is transparent, detailed, and backed by clear deliverables.
When Paying More Makes Sense
Paying slightly more for consistent monthly closes, automation, and CPA review often saves thousands in errors and cleanup later. The cheapest provider is rarely the most efficient or accurate.
Bookkeeping Pricing Explained: Packages, Hourly, and Per-Transaction Models
FAQs
How much does a bookkeeper cost per hour?
Most charge between $40 and $120 per hour depending on region and complexity.
What is a fair monthly rate for bookkeeping?
For small businesses, $250 to $800 per month covers standard reconciliations and reports.
Why do prices vary by city or state?
Labor cost, demand, and local tax compliance rules affect rates.
Are virtual bookkeeping services cheaper?
Yes. They reduce overhead and offer predictable pricing while maintaining quality.
