FranchiseBudget

Ace Hardware vs Comfort Keepers Franchise Cost 2026

Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Comfort Keepers runs $86K–$148K. The gap at midpoint: $1.1M.

Ace Hardware

$286K–$2.1M

total investment

Investment Difference

$1.1M

Comfort Keepers costs less

Comfort Keepers

$86K–$148K

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Ace Hardware Comfort Keepers Lower Cost
Total Investment $286K–$2.1M $86K–$148K Comfort Keepers
Franchise Fee $5,000 $42,500 Ace Hardware
Royalty Rate 0.0% 5.0% Ace Hardware
Ad Fund Fee 0.0% 2.0% Ace Hardware
Net Worth Required $400K $250K Comfort Keepers
Liquid Capital $250K $75K Comfort Keepers
Est. Break-Even 5.3 yr 1.1 yr Comfort Keepers

Ace Hardware Profile

Category
retail
Total Investment
$286K–$2.1M
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Royalty
0.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$2.8M
Full Ace Hardware Cost Breakdown →

Comfort Keepers Profile

Category
senior care
Total Investment
$86K–$148K
Franchise Fee
$42,500
Royalty
5.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$1.2M
Full Comfort Keepers Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Comfort Keepers costs $1.1M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.