Baskin-Robbins vs McDonald's Franchise Cost 2026
Baskin-Robbins runs $97K–$394K. McDonald's runs $1.3M–$2.3M. The gap at midpoint: $1.6M.
Baskin-Robbins
$97K–$394K
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.6M
Baskin-Robbins costs less
McDonald's
$1.3M–$2.3M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Baskin-Robbins | McDonald's | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $97K–$394K | $1.3M–$2.3M | Baskin-Robbins |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $45,000 | Baskin-Robbins |
| Royalty Rate | 5.9% | 4.0% | McDonald's |
| Ad Fund Fee | 5.0% | 4.0% | McDonald's |
| Net Worth Required | $250K | $500K | Baskin-Robbins |
| Liquid Capital | $100K | $500K | Baskin-Robbins |
| Est. Break-Even | 58.7 yr | 14.1 yr | McDonald's |
Baskin-Robbins Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $97K–$394K
- Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 5.9%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $380K
McDonald's Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $1.3M–$2.3M
- Franchise Fee
- $45,000
- Royalty
- 4.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $3.2M
Bottom Line
Baskin-Robbins costs $1.6M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. McDonald's also wins on royalty rate.