31 Examples of Administrative Costs

John Spacey, November 18, 2022

Administrative costs are business costs that aren't directly related to the production or marketing of goods and services. This includes the entire cost of departments such as human resources or finance. Administrative costs also include any expenses such as office space, supplies and travel that aren't directly related to marketing, sales or production. The following are common examples of administrative costs.

Bank Fees	Benefits
Bonuses	Building Leases / Rent
Consulting Fees	Depreciation & Amortization
Entertainment & Meals	Executive Compensation
Finance / Accounting	General Management
Human Resources	Information Technology
Insurance	Interest Payments
Legal Expenses	Licenses
Maintenance	Management Fees
Office Supplies	Outsourcing Costs
Property Taxes	Public Relations
Regulatory Fees	Salaries & Wages
Shipping	Software Fees
Technology Costs	Training
Travel	Utilities
Vehicle Expenses

The costs above are only administrative where they don't relate to the production and marketing of products and services. For example, salaries and wages related to manufacturing wouldn't be administrative.

In some cases, marketing costs are included with administrative costs. In this case they are typically known as Selling, General & Administrative Expense.

Marketing can be considered overhead but is not administrative as it relates to revenue generation.

Overview: Administrative Costs
Type	Administration Examples
Definition	Business costs that aren't directly related to the production or marketing of goods and services.
Also Known As	Administrative Overhead
Related Concepts	Administration Examples » Overhead »