Franchise Comparator

Subway vs Firehouse Subs: franchise cost side by side

Subway is the cheaper of the two to open, from $263,000; Firehouse Subs starts at $405,350.

Every figure comes from the brand's FDD, the disclosure file it must hand you before you sign.

Subway is the cheaper to open, from $263,000.

Firehouse Subs starts at $405,350, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.

From each FDDSubway logoSubwayFirehouse Subs logoFirehouse Subs
Total cost to open$263,000 to $630,000$405,350 to $875,950
Upfront fee$15,000$20,000
Royalty (ongoing fee)8% of gross sales6% of gross sales
Marketing fund4.5% of gross sales5% of gross sales
Published salesNone published$973,809 a year (average of 1,033 locations, 2025)
Outlets18,773 franchised, 0 company1,249 franchised, 42 company
Year filed20262026

Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.

Read the full figures on the Subway franchise page and the Firehouse Subs franchise page, or read how to compare franchise costs.

Every brand's fee, royalty and Item 7 range is also in one table you can download: the franchise fee comparison.

Still deciding between brands?

A franchise consultant can talk you through the trade-offs for your budget and area. Send your details and one will contact you.

Add the brands you like or a note (optional)

By sending this, you agree that one franchise consultant picked for your request may email, call or text you about it, including by automated means. You don't have to agree to buy anything. How we handle your details.

  • Sending this form is free.
  • We pass it to one franchise consultant, not a list of brokers.
  • Consultants are usually paid by the brand you buy, so ask which brands pay them.
  • The consultant may pay us for the referral; no brand pays to be listed here.