Data-Driven Franchise Research

Top Franchises to Own in the US: 2024 Investment Data

Quick Answer

The top franchises to own in the United States vary by capital, with eXp Realty leading low-cost options (starting at $3,000) and McDonald's remaining a dominant high-investment choice (up to $2.3M). Key sectors include Food & Restaurant, Real Estate, and Retail Services, with royalty fees ranging from 0% to over 40%.

Source: FranchiseStack · August 2026

Based on an analysis of 192 franchises in the FranchiseStack database, the US market offers diverse opportunities across multiple price points. Real estate franchises like RE/MAX and eXp Realty offer low overhead, while established QSR brands like Taco Bell and Burger King require significant capital but provide high brand recognition. Service-based models like Jan-Pro and The UPS Store offer a middle ground for entrepreneurs seeking scalable business models with proven operational frameworks.

Key Data Points

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest franchise to start in the US?

eXp Realty ($3K-$8K) and Jan-Pro ($4K-$56K) are among the most affordable options in the FranchiseStack database.

Which franchises have 0% royalty fees?

RE/MAX, Ace Hardware, and Kumon are notable brands that report a 0.00% royalty fee structure in their FDD filings.

How much does a McDonald's franchise cost?

The total investment for a McDonald's ranges from $1,315,000 to $2,307,000 with a standard 4.00% royalty fee.

What is the investment for The UPS Store?

Opening a UPS Store requires an initial investment between $178,000 and $403,000 with a 5.00% royalty fee.

Which industry has the highest royalty fees?

The Retail & Services sector features the highest royalties in our data, notably 7-Eleven at 43% and H&R Block at 30%.

Data Sources Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) 2023-2024FranchiseStack Proprietary Database (192 Brands)
Last updated: June 5, 2026

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