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 | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $130K | $32K |
| Max Investment | $200K | $150K |
| Franchise Fee | $59K | $3K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 30.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $1.8M | $140K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,200 | 12,000 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | -100.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 81/100 | 68/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 30 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Home Instead | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 50 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 3 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home Instead or H&R Block a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Home Instead has 1,200 total units and a 81/100 franchisee satisfaction score. H&R Block has 12,000 total units and a 68/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
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.
How much does it cost to open a H&R Block franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a H&R Block franchise requires an initial investment of $32K – $150K. The franchise fee is $3K, with ongoing royalties of 30.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Home Instead vs H&R Block?
Home Instead's royalty rate is 5.0%. H&R Block's royalty rate is 30.0%. That means H&R Block has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Home Instead or H&R Block?
Home Instead has 1,200 total units. H&R Block has 12,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Home Instead or H&R Block semi-absentee friendly?
Home Instead is typically run as a owner-operator model. H&R Block 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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