The Best Franchises for Any Budget We ranked the top 50 franchises for three different budgets: less than $100,000; $100,000 to $500,000 and more than $500,000.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

This story appears in the October 2017 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

Bill Diodato | Getty Images

The opportunities available in franchising are as varied as the personalities, skill sets and yes, bank accounts of the people interested in purchasing them. That's why Entrepreneur is ranking franchises by what it costs to buy into them. On the following pages, for the first time, we list the top 50 franchises from each of three startup-cost tiers: less than $100,000, $100,000 to $500,000 and more than $500,000. The companies' order comes from their position in our 2017 Franchise 500 list, which evaluates more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability.

Related: 5 Affordable Franchises You Can Start for Less Than $10,000

One important note: A company's placement within a particular tier does not mean that all franchisees will be able to start their business within that range but simply that it is realistically possible for some. Each company's full estimated initial-investment range is listed to give you an idea of what a franchisee might spend to open a unit.

Keep in mind that these lists are not intended as a recommendation of any particular franchise. Startup costs are just one of many factors to consider in your search for the franchise that's right for you. Always carefully read a company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant and talk to existing and former franchisees before investing.

To learn who made the cut, check out our lists of The Best Franchises for Any Budget:

Best franchises for less than $100,000
Best franchises for $100,000 to $500,000
Best franchises for more than $500,000

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Science & Technology

Your Clients Are Using AI to Replace You — Do These 3 Things Before They Do

Harness these three steps to audit, evolve and future-proof your offer before AI replaces you.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.