91³ÉÈË

The Best Franchises for Any Budget We ranked the top 50 franchises for three different budgets: less than $100,000; $100,000 to $500,000 and more than $500,000.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

This story appears in the October 2017 issue of 91³ÉÈË. Subscribe »

Bill Diodato | Getty Images

The opportunities available in franchising are as varied as the personalities, skill sets and yes, bank accounts of the people interested in purchasing them. That's why 91³ÉÈË is ranking franchises by what it costs to buy into them. On the following pages, for the first time, we list the top 50 franchises from each of three startup-cost tiers: less than $100,000, $100,000 to $500,000 and more than $500,000. The companies' order comes from their position in our 2017 Franchise 500 list, which evaluates more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability.

Related: 5 Affordable Franchises You Can Start for Less Than $10,000

One important note: A company's placement within a particular tier does not mean that all franchisees will be able to start their business within that range but simply that it is realistically possible for some. Each company's full estimated initial-investment range is listed to give you an idea of what a franchisee might spend to open a unit.

Keep in mind that these lists are not intended as a recommendation of any particular franchise. Startup costs are just one of many factors to consider in your search for the franchise that's right for you. Always carefully read a company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant and talk to existing and former franchisees before investing.

To learn who made the cut, check out our lists of The Best Franchises for Any Budget:

Best franchises for less than $100,000
Best franchises for $100,000 to $500,000
Best franchises for more than $500,000

Tracy Stapp Herold

91³ÉÈË Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at 91³ÉÈË magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

Want to be an 91³ÉÈË Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Fundraising

4 Trends In Fundraising That Will Impact the Future of Philanthropy

Increasing the success of your nonprofit requires you to adapt to changes.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

Founders Obsess Over Cash Flow — But There's a Threat That's Even More Dangerous

There's a silent business risk every entrepreneur underestimates, and it can shut you down faster than a cash crunch.

Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

Growing a Business

Don't Rely on Instinct to Make Hiring Decisions — Use This Smart Strategy Instead

Here's the data-driven hiring playbook every business owner needs.