At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: Century 21 vs KidStrong
Choosing between Century 21 and KidStrong comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Century 21 operates in Real Estate while KidStrong is in Children's Education & Enrichment. Cross-industry comparisons are valuable when you're evaluating which business model best fits your skills and lifestyle.
From a capital perspective, Century 21 has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Century 21 charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $25K | $342K |
| Max Investment | $525K | $691K |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | N/A | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 14,000 | 190 |
| Annual Growth | 200.0% | 35.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 73/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | N/A |
| Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Century 21 | KidStrong |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | N/A |
| Training Weeks | N/A | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Century 21 or KidStrong 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. KidStrong has 190 total units and a track record in its industry. 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 KidStrong franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a KidStrong franchise requires an initial investment of $342K – $691K. The franchise fee is $40K, with ongoing royalties of 7.5%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Century 21 vs KidStrong?
Century 21's royalty rate is 6.0%. KidStrong's royalty rate is 7.5%. That means Century 21 has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Century 21 or KidStrong?
Century 21 has 14,000 total units. KidStrong has 190 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Century 21 or KidStrong semi-absentee friendly?
Century 21 is typically run as a owner-operator model. KidStrong 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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