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 | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $229K | $25K |
| Max Investment | $524K | $525K |
| Franchise Fee | $15K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 4.5% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $420K | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 36,690 | 14,000 |
| Annual Growth | -3.5% | 200.0% |
| Failure Rate | 8.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 55/100 | 73/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 59 | N/A |
| Years Franchising | 48 | N/A |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $100K | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $50K | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Subway | Century 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 12 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 2 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subway or Century 21 a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Subway has 36,690 total units and a 55/100 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 Subway franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Subway franchise requires an initial investment of $229K – $524K. The franchise fee is $15K, with ongoing royalties of 8.0%. 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 Subway vs Century 21?
Subway's royalty rate is 8.0%. Century 21's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Century 21 has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Subway or Century 21?
Subway has 36,690 total units. Century 21 has 14,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Subway or Century 21 semi-absentee friendly?
Subway 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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