Great Clips vs Subway Franchise Cost 2026
Great Clips runs $183K–$382K. Subway runs $229K–$522K. The gap at midpoint: $92K.
Great Clips
$183K–$382K
total investment
Investment Difference
$92K
Great Clips costs less
Subway
$229K–$522K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Great Clips | Subway | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $183K–$382K | $229K–$522K | Great Clips |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $15,000 | Subway |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 8.0% | Great Clips |
| Ad Fund Fee | 5.0% | 4.5% | Subway |
| Net Worth Required | $300K | $100K | Subway |
| Liquid Capital | $75K | $100K | Great Clips |
| Est. Break-Even | 20.2 yr | N/A | — |
Great Clips Profile
- Category
- beauty
- Total Investment
- $183K–$382K
- Franchise Fee
- $20,000
- Royalty
- 6.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $350K
Subway Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $229K–$522K
- Franchise Fee
- $15,000
- Royalty
- 8.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $430K
Bottom Line
Great Clips costs $92K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Great Clips also wins on royalty rate.