At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $81K | $130K |
| Max Investment | $139K | $200K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $59K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 5.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | 1.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $900K | $1.8M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 230 | 1,200 |
| Annual Growth | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | 2.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 76/100 | 81/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 28 | 32 |
| Years Franchising | 17 | 30 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $200K | $250K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $75K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Always Best Care | Home Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 25 | 50 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Always Best Care or Home Instead a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Always Best Care has 230 total units and a 76/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Home Instead has 1,200 total units and a 81/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Always Best Care franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Always Best Care franchise requires an initial investment of $81K – $139K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Home Instead franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Home Instead franchise requires an initial investment of $130K – $200K. The franchise fee is $59K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Always Best Care vs Home Instead?
Always Best Care's royalty rate is 6.0%. Home Instead's royalty rate is 5.0%. That means Home Instead has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Always Best Care or Home Instead?
Always Best Care has 230 total units. Home Instead has 1,200 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Always Best Care or Home Instead semi-absentee friendly?
Always Best Care is typically run as a owner-operator model. Home Instead is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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