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 | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $25K | $16K |
| Max Investment | $525K | $1.5M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 14,000 | 3,200 |
| Annual Growth | 200.0% | 50.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 73/100 | 72/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | N/A |
| Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Century 21 | Coldwell Banker |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | N/A |
| Training Weeks | N/A | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Century 21 or Coldwell Banker a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Century 21 has 14,000 total units and a 73/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Coldwell Banker has 3,200 total units and a 72/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Century 21 franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Century 21 franchise requires an initial investment of $25K – $525K. The franchise fee is $25K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Coldwell Banker franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Coldwell Banker franchise requires an initial investment of $16K – $1.5M. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Century 21 vs Coldwell Banker?
Century 21's royalty rate is 6.0%. Coldwell Banker's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Coldwell Banker has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Century 21 or Coldwell Banker?
Century 21 has 14,000 total units. Coldwell Banker has 3,200 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Century 21 or Coldwell Banker semi-absentee friendly?
Century 21 is typically run as a owner-operator model. Coldwell Banker 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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