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: Keller Williams vs Century 21
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Keller Williams and Century 21 are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Real Estate sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Century 21 has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
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.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Keller Williams leads with a 78/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. 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 | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $184K | $25K |
| Max Investment | $337K | $525K |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.0M | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,200 | 14,000 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | 200.0% |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 78/100 | 73/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 41 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 37 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $300K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $150K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Keller Williams | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 20 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 4 | N/A |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keller Williams or Century 21 a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Keller Williams has 1,200 total units and a 78/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Century 21 has 14,000 total units and a 73/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Keller Williams franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Keller Williams franchise requires an initial investment of $184K – $337K. The franchise fee is $35K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
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.
What is the royalty rate for Keller Williams vs Century 21?
Keller Williams's royalty rate is 6.0%. Century 21's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Century 21 has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Keller Williams or Century 21?
Keller Williams has 1,200 total units. Century 21 has 14,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Keller Williams or Century 21 semi-absentee friendly?
Keller Williams is typically run as a owner-operator model. Century 21 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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