In celebration of Small Business Month this May, Printful, a leading player in the ecommerce and print-on-demand industry, has released new research highlighting how location can play a decisive role in the success of ecommerce brands. As the ecommerce landscape becomes more competitive, choosing the right city is no longer a minor detail, it’s a major strategic decision.
The report, titled Top U.S. Cities to Build an Ecommerce Brand in 2025, identifies cities such as Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas and Austin as hotspots offering unique advantages ranging from talent access to logistics infrastructure and brand-building opportunities.
“Where you establish your ecommerce business can impact everything from hiring and operational efficiency to brand visibility and global expansion,” said Katie Fitzsimmons, Ecosystem Partnership Manager at Printful and Printify. “In today’s climate, founders must think strategically about location as a competitive advantage.”
Key Highlights:
- Atlanta, GA: Atlanta offers an exceptional combination of affordability and access to a vibrant cultural and influencer scene.
- Miami, FL: Miami stands out for its tax-friendly environment and outstanding in-person networking opportunities.
- Las Vegas, NV: Las Vegas provides the lowest cost of living and business rental rates among the best cities for small businesses to build a brand.
- Austin, TX: Austin boasts the fastest internet speeds and a thriving, innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Nashville, TN: Nashville offers reliable digital infrastructure and a dynamic creative community rooted in music and culture.
- Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles delivers distinguished influencer access and media exposure for brands in entertainment and fashion.
- New York City, NY: New York City offers superb access to global media, high-end clientele, and networking opportunities.
- Chicago, IL: Chicago combines affordability with big-city resources, making it ideal for scaling consumer goods and retail brands.
- Denver, CO: Denver excels in internet connectivity and offers a strong customer base for wellness and outdoor-focused brands.
- San Francisco, CA: San Francisco provides world-class tech infrastructure and venture capital access for ambitious, well-funded brands.
Printful’s research advises founders to weigh critical factors such as cost of living, business expenses, logistics capabilities, and local market trends when deciding where to base their operations. A city’s ability to attract specialized talent, foster entrepreneurial ecosystems, and offer market-specific advantages can make or break a brand’s growth trajectory.
Why Does It Matter for Small Businesses Now?
With Small Business Month spotlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the U.S. economy, this report underscores the importance of making informed, strategic decisions early on. As ecommerce competition intensifies and customer expectations continue to evolve, understanding how a city’s unique characteristics align with a brand’s mission and operational needs can be a game-changer.
Methodology
The research analyzed key factors critical to building a brand, including cost of living, real estate prices, average salary, coworking space availability and cost, sales tax rates, internet speed, number of in-person entrepreneurial events, and influencer density.
Each city was evaluated and scored across these metrics to determine its overall suitability for brand development and growth. The analysis prioritized both affordability and opportunity, aiming to balance financial accessibility with the presence of strong business ecosystems and digital infrastructure.
Cities were then ranked based on their cumulative scores, highlighting where entrepreneurs and small business owners would have the best chances of establishing and scaling a brand in 2025.
Extended findings by city
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is the top city for small businesses building a brand, offering a remarkable mix of affordability, cultural richness, and business opportunity. Entrepreneurs benefit from moderate living and hiring costs, and a favorable tax environment. The city’s strong influencer presence and vibrant entertainment scene make it ideal for lifestyle, apparel, and urban culture brands. Atlanta’s diverse community and trendsetting energy offer authentic connections for brands looking to scale.
Miami, FL
Miami combines dynamic culture with business-friendly tax policies, making it a vibrant hotspot for small businesses looking to grow their brand. It boasts a strong entrepreneurial scene, high in-person event opportunities, and a fast-growing tech and creative sector. With its strong Latino influence and booming ecommerce scene, Miami is ideal for luxury, hospitality, and cross-cultural brands. The city’s bicultural marketplace opens unique doors for businesses targeting both U.S. and Latin American audiences.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas offers one of the lowest costs of living and real estate prices among major cities, paired with strong internet infrastructure. It’s an affordable option for digital entrepreneurs and small businesses aiming to keep overhead low. The city’s robust tourism and events industry provides major exposure opportunities for hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. Las Vegas’s 24/7 economy and emphasis on experiential marketing create unique growth opportunities.
Austin, TX
Austin is a top choice for tech-savvy brands thanks to its perfect scores for internet speed and cost of living. The city offers a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, vibrant creative community, and growing talent pool. Austin’s innovation-first culture is perfect for ecommerce and digital-first brands looking for an affordable yet dynamic environment. Its collaborative spirit and tech-driven economy create fertile ground for rapid brand growth.
Nashville, TN
Nashville provides a financially accessible environment for entrepreneurs with reliable internet infrastructure and moderate living costs. Known as “Music City,” it’s ideal for music and lifestyle, brands seeking authentic storytelling and strong cultural roots. While it has fewer coworking spaces and networking events, the city’s creative energy s independent brand development. Nashville’s booming tourism sector also offers new opportunities for brand exposure.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles balances high costs with exceptional opportunities for brand visibility and influencer partnerships. It’s the go-to city for fashion, entertainment, fitness, and beauty brands aiming to tap into celebrity culture and trendsetting communities. With abundant coworking spaces and a massive creator economy, LA offers natural pathways for rapid brand growth. Despite the expenses, access to top media, talent, and cultural influence remains unrivaled.
New York City, NY
New York City offers unparalleled exposure, networking, and coworking opportunities for brands aiming for a global presence. However, it comes with high costs of living and business operations. NYC is ideal for luxury, media, and finance brands that can handle expenses in exchange for top-tier connections. Its dense influencer population and nonstop networking possibilities make it a dream location for brands ready to scale quickly.
Chicago, IL
Chicago provides an affordable alternative to coastal cities, blending big-city resources with lower living and business costs. It offers a strong coworking ecosystem and a talented labor pool, making it a practical base for consumer-facing brands. Though it lags slightly in tech infrastructure and events, Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods offer great testing grounds for retail brands. It’s a smart choice for brands prioritizing cost control and market reach.
Denver, CO
Denver excels in internet infrastructure and quality of life, making it attractive for brands in the outdoor and wellness sectors. While it faces higher salary costs and limited networking opportunities, it aligns perfectly with eco-conscious and active lifestyle businesses. Brands focused on sustainability and wellness will find a receptive audience in Denver’s health-minded, adventure-driven community. It’s a solid pick for mission-driven companies valuing lifestyle alignment over sheer size.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is the most expensive city on the list, posing significant financial barriers for emerging brands. However, it offers extraordinary access to venture capital, top tech talent, and innovative business ecosystems. For well-funded businesses and ecommerce brands, the city’s early adopter culture and credibility can be game-changing. San Francisco remains a strategic hub for brands focused on technology, disruption, and rapid scaling.
