RealCostReport.com

Know the real cost
before you decide.

We analyze what high-stakes decisions actually cost — legal services, insurance, mortgages, healthcare, and investing. Every figure is sourced from government and industry data. No opinions. No generic advice.

IRS & Federal Agencies
CMS & State Data
Court Fee Schedules
Updated 2026

Why trust Real Cost Report
  • Data-first methodology
    Every statistic cites a named primary source, and every article documents how its figures were researched and verified.
  • Primary sources, not aggregators
    We go directly to federal and state agencies, court fee schedules, and peer-reviewed research — not third-party summaries or sponsored rankings.
  • Built for high-stakes decisions
    We cover the financial, legal, and healthcare choices where a wrong number costs thousands — hiring a lawyer, choosing a plan, timing retirement.
  • Informational only — not professional advice
    Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Explore Cost Reports

01
LEGAL
5 topics
  • Attorney fees by practice area & state
  • Divorce — what it really costs, state by state
  • Contingency vs. hourly: which costs you more
  • Court filing fees & litigation cost breakdown
  • Personal injury settlements: what you actually keep

02
INSURANCE
5 topics
  • Term vs. whole life: the 30-year math
  • Home & auto premiums by state
  • High vs. low deductible — break-even analysis
  • Umbrella policies: cost per $1M of coverage
  • Long-term care insurance vs. self-funding

03
MORTGAGE & HOME FINANCE
4 topics
  • 15-year vs. 30-year: total interest compared
  • Points & buydowns — when they pay off
  • Refinance break-even calculator & real math
  • PMI costs & how much 20% down saves you
  • Closing costs by state: full breakdown

04
LOANS & CREDIT
4 topics
  • HELOC vs. home equity loan vs. cash-out refi
  • Personal loan vs. credit card: true APR cost
  • Auto loan rates by credit score tier
  • Student loan refinancing — savings by balance
  • Debt consolidation: what it really saves

05
INVESTING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT
4 topics
  • Advisor fees: 1% AUM vs. flat fee by age 65
  • Roth vs. traditional — which saves more
  • Index funds vs. active: 20-year fee math
  • 401(k) fees & what they cost you by retirement
  • Annuities — real costs behind the guarantees

06
HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL COSTS
5 topics
  • Surgery & procedure prices: insured vs. cash pay
  • Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap real math
  • Dental implants & orthodontics cost data
  • Prescription drug prices & discount programs
  • Assisted living & nursing home costs by state

07
SMALL BUSINESS & LLC
4 topics
  • LLC vs. S-Corp vs. sole proprietor tax math
  • Business formation costs by state
  • Small business insurance: what coverage costs
  • Hiring an employee vs. contractor: true cost
  • Franchise fees & startup cost breakdowns

08
ESTATE PLANNING & WILLS
5 topics
  • Will vs. living trust: cost & probate savings
  • DIY vs. attorney estate plans compared
  • Probate costs & timelines by state
  • Estate & inheritance tax thresholds 2026
  • Power of attorney & healthcare directive costs

Latest Cost Reports