Baskin-Robbins vs Dairy Queen Franchise Cost 2026
Baskin-Robbins runs $97K–$394K. Dairy Queen runs $1.1M–$1.9M. The gap at midpoint: $1.3M.
Baskin-Robbins
$97K–$394K
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.3M
Baskin-Robbins costs less
Dairy Queen
$1.1M–$1.9M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Baskin-Robbins | Dairy Queen | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $97K–$394K | $1.1M–$1.9M | Baskin-Robbins |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $35,000 | Baskin-Robbins |
| Royalty Rate | 5.9% | 4.0% | Dairy Queen |
| Ad Fund Fee | 5.0% | 6.0% | Baskin-Robbins |
| Net Worth Required | $250K | $750K | Baskin-Robbins |
| Liquid Capital | $100K | $400K | Baskin-Robbins |
| Est. Break-Even | 58.7 yr | 77.3 yr | Baskin-Robbins |
Baskin-Robbins Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $97K–$394K
- Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 5.9%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $380K
Dairy Queen Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $1.1M–$1.9M
- Franchise Fee
- $35,000
- Royalty
- 4.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $970K
Bottom Line
Baskin-Robbins costs $1.3M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Dairy Queen also wins on royalty rate.