National Average Bankruptcy Cost
The average cost to file bankruptcy in the United States is approximately $1,800 for Chapter 7 and $4,200 for Chapter 13 (including filing fees, attorney fees, and credit counseling). But these national averages hide enormous regional variation -- attorney fees alone can range from $500 to $4,000+ for Chapter 7 depending on your state and city.
How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost by Region
| Region | Ch. 7 Attorney Fee | Ch. 13 Attorney Fee | Ch. 7 Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural South/Midwest | $500-$1,200 | $2,500-$3,500 | $900-$1,700 |
| Mid-size cities | $1,000-$1,800 | $3,000-$4,000 | $1,400-$2,300 |
| Major metro areas | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,500-$5,000 | $1,900-$2,900 |
| NYC / SF / LA | $2,000-$4,000+ | $4,000-$6,000+ | $2,400-$4,400+ |
Court filing fees are the same everywhere: $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13. The difference in total cost is almost entirely driven by attorney fees.
What Drives Cost Differences Between States
Three factors explain most of the variation in bankruptcy costs across states:
- Local attorney market: Areas with more bankruptcy attorneys have lower fees due to competition
- Court fee guidelines: Many districts set no-look fee amounts that cap what attorneys typically charge
- Cost of living: Attorney overhead (rent, staff, insurance) directly affects what they charge clients
Bankruptcy Filing Fees: The Only Fixed Cost
Bankruptcy filing fees are set by the Judicial Conference and are the same in every court: $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13, $1,738 for Chapter 11, and $306 for Chapter 12. These fees can be paid in installments (up to 4 payments over 120 days). The Chapter 7 filing fee can be waived entirely for filers with income below 150% of poverty guidelines.
How to Find the Cheapest Bankruptcy Attorney
Start by checking your district's no-look fee guideline on the bankruptcy court's website. This tells you what the court considers a reasonable fee. Then compare multiple attorneys -- many offer free consultations. Ask about payment plans, flat fees vs. hourly billing, and what is included in the quoted price.
For the lowest possible cost, consider filing without a lawyer or contacting legal aid for free representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to file bankruptcy in 2026?
The average cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy is approximately $1,800 total (filing fee + attorney + counseling). Chapter 13 averages about $4,200 in fees, with attorney fees paid through the repayment plan. Costs vary significantly by state and city.
How much is it to file bankruptcy in a cheap state?
In the least expensive states and rural areas, Chapter 7 can cost as little as $900-$1,200 total. Some attorneys in low-cost areas charge $500-$800 for straightforward Chapter 7 cases.
How much does filing bankruptcy cost if I do it myself?
Filing pro se reduces your cost to approximately $368-$438 total -- just the $338 filing fee plus $30-$100 for the two required credit counseling courses. The filing fee may be waived for low-income filers.
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