Ace Hardware vs Home Instead Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Home Instead runs $115K–$125K. The gap at midpoint: $1.1M.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.1M
Home Instead costs less
Home Instead
$115K–$125K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Home Instead | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $115K–$125K | Home Instead |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $59,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 5.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 1.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $200K | Home Instead |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $100K | Home Instead |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 0.8 yr | Home Instead |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Home Instead Profile
- Category
- senior care
- Total Investment
- $115K–$125K
- Franchise Fee
- $59,000
- Royalty
- 5.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $1.5M
Bottom Line
Home Instead 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.