FranchiseBudget

Ace Hardware vs Planet Fitness Franchise Cost 2026

Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Planet Fitness runs $1.6M–$4.5M. The gap at midpoint: $1.8M.

Ace Hardware

$286K–$2.1M

total investment

Investment Difference

$1.8M

Ace Hardware costs less

Planet Fitness

$1.6M–$4.5M

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Ace Hardware Planet Fitness Lower Cost
Total Investment $286K–$2.1M $1.6M–$4.5M Ace Hardware
Franchise Fee $5,000 $20,000 Ace Hardware
Royalty Rate 0.0% 7.0% Ace Hardware
Ad Fund Fee 0.0% 7.0% Ace Hardware
Net Worth Required $400K $3.0M Ace Hardware
Liquid Capital $250K $800K Ace Hardware
Est. Break-Even 5.3 yr 72.1 yr Ace Hardware

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 →

Planet Fitness Profile

Category
fitness
Total Investment
$1.6M–$4.5M
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Royalty
7.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$4.2M
Full Planet Fitness Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Ace Hardware costs $1.8M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.