FranchiseBudget

Arby's vs Taco Bell Franchise Cost 2026

Arby's runs $314K–$1.8M. Taco Bell runs $575K–$3.4M. The gap at midpoint: $919K.

Arby's

$314K–$1.8M

total investment

Investment Difference

$919K

Arby's costs less

Taco Bell

$575K–$3.4M

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Arby's Taco Bell Lower Cost
Total Investment $314K–$1.8M $575K–$3.4M Arby's
Franchise Fee $37,500 $45,000 Arby's
Royalty Rate 4.0% 5.5% Arby's
Ad Fund Fee 4.2% 4.25% Arby's
Net Worth Required $1.0M $1.5M Arby's
Liquid Capital $500K $750K Arby's
Est. Break-Even 20.5 yr 46.1 yr Arby's

Arby's Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$314K–$1.8M
Franchise Fee
$37,500
Royalty
4.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$1.4M
Full Arby's Cost Breakdown →

Taco Bell Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$575K–$3.4M
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Royalty
5.5%
Est. Annual Revenue
$1.9M
Full Taco Bell Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Arby's costs $919K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Arby's also wins on royalty rate.