Home Instead vs McDonald's Franchise Cost 2026
Home Instead runs $115K–$125K. McDonald's runs $1.3M–$2.3M. The gap at midpoint: $1.7M.
Home Instead
$115K–$125K
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.7M
Home Instead costs less
McDonald's
$1.3M–$2.3M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Home Instead | McDonald's | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $115K–$125K | $1.3M–$2.3M | Home Instead |
| Franchise Fee | $59,000 | $45,000 | McDonald's |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4.0% | McDonald's |
| Ad Fund Fee | 1.0% | 4.0% | Home Instead |
| Net Worth Required | $200K | $500K | Home Instead |
| Liquid Capital | $100K | $500K | Home Instead |
| Est. Break-Even | 0.8 yr | 14.1 yr | Home Instead |
Home Instead Profile
- Category
- senior care
- Total Investment
- $115K–$125K
- Franchise Fee
- $59,000
- Royalty
- 5.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $1.5M
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
Home Instead costs $1.7M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. McDonald's also wins on royalty rate.