Data-Driven Franchise Research

Top Franchises to Own in the United States (2024 Data)

Quick Answer

The top franchises to own in the U.S. vary by investment level, ranging from low-cost options like eXp Realty ($3K-$8K) to high-capital brands like McDonald's ($1.3M-$2.3M). Key sectors include Food & Restaurant, Real Estate, and Retail & Services, with royalty rates typically ranging from 0% to 12%.

Source: FranchiseStack · July 2026

Based on analysis of 192 franchises in FranchiseStack's database, the U.S. market offers diverse opportunities across multiple sectors. Real estate brands like RE/MAX and Century 21 offer scalable models, while established food giants like Taco Bell and Burger King require significant capital but provide high brand recognition. Low-entry options like Jan-Pro ($4K+) and Kumon ($67K+) cater to service-oriented entrepreneurs looking for lower overhead.

Key Data Points

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest franchise to start in the US?

eXp Realty ($3K-$8K) and Jan-Pro ($4K-$56K) are among the most affordable options currently available in the US market.

Which franchise has the highest investment cost?

Burger King requires an investment of up to $4.73 million, followed by Taco Bell at $3.37 million and Dairy Queen at $2.54 million.

Are there franchises with no royalty fees?

Yes, brands like RE/MAX, Kumon, and Ace Hardware report 0.00% royalty fees in their FDD data, though other fees may apply.

What is the typical royalty fee for food franchises?

Most food franchises, such as McDonald's (4%) and Subway (8%), charge between 4% and 8% of gross sales.

Which retail franchise has the highest royalty?

7-Eleven has a unique model with a royalty rate of 43%, which is significantly higher than service-based peers like H&R Block (30%).

Data Sources FranchiseStack Database (192 FDDs)2023-2024 Franchise Disclosure Documents
Last updated: June 5, 2026

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