Home Instead vs Visiting Angels

Franchise Comparison (2026)

2026 FDD Data

Home Instead generates 55% higher average revenue ($2.6M vs $1.68M) and has a faster payback period (1.4-3.4 years), but requires higher investment. Visiting Angels offers lower royalties (3-3.5% vs 5%) and lower entry costs, making it accessible to more first-time franchisees.

Home Instead and Visiting Angels are two of the largest senior home care franchises in the United States, both capitalizing on the rapidly growing $150+ billion home care market. Home Instead (founded 1994) pioneered the non-medical senior care franchise model with nearly 1,200 locations worldwide. Visiting Angels has grown to 600+ locations with a lower-cost entry point. For franchise investors, the key differences are revenue potential, royalty structure, and investment requirements. This FDD comparison helps you choose the right senior care franchise.

Quick Comparison

Franchise Fee

Home Instead

$54,000

Visiting Angels

$49,950 - $79,950

Total Investment

Home Instead

$91K - $270K

Visiting Angels

$125K - $171K

Royalty Rate

Home Instead

5%

Visiting Angels

3.0% - 3.5%

Total Units

Home Instead

619

Visiting Angels

600

Avg Revenue

Home Instead

$2.61M

Visiting Angels

$1.68M

Detailed Comparison

MetricHome InsteadVisiting Angels
Initial Investment
Franchise Fee$54,000$49,950
Total Investment (Low)$91,040$125,460
Total Investment (High)$269,750$171,150
Net Worth Required$250,000$200,000
Liquid Capital Required$100,000$75,000
Ongoing Fees
Royalty Rate5%3.5%
Advertising Fund0%0%
Technology FeeNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
System Size & Growth
Total Units619600
Franchised Units619600
Company-Owned Units00
3-Year Net GrowthNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 DisclosedYesYes
Average Revenue$2,609,616$1,680,000
Median RevenueNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Franchise Terms
Initial TermNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Renewal TermNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Territory ProtectionNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Requirements
Owner-Operator RequiredNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Training HoursNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Years Franchising32 years28 years
Risk Indicators
Litigation MattersNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Termination RateNot DisclosedNot Disclosed

Key Differences

  • Home Instead averages $2.6M revenue vs Visiting Angels $1.68M

  • Home Instead charges 5% royalty; Visiting Angels charges 3-3.5% (tiered)

  • Home Instead investment: $91K-$270K vs Visiting Angels $125K-$171K

  • Home Instead has faster payback (1.4-3.4 years) due to higher revenue

  • Home Instead ranks #33 on Franchise 500; Visiting Angels ranks #479

  • Home Instead has near 1,200 global locations; Visiting Angels has 600+ US locations

Investment Fit Analysis

Who Should Consider Home Instead

Home Instead suits investors seeking the senior care market leader with highest revenue potential, willing to pay premium royalties for stronger brand recognition and support infrastructure.

Highest average revenue in senior care ($2.6M)

Fast payback period (1.4-3.4 years)

World's largest home care network (1,200 locations)

20% veteran discount on franchise fee

SBA loan approval rate strong (366 loans, 0.8% default)

Two-week training at Omaha headquarters

Who Should Consider Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels suits cost-conscious investors who want lower royalties and a proven model, accepting lower average revenue in exchange for keeping more of each dollar earned.

Lower tiered royalties (3.0%-3.5% vs 5%)

Territory-based franchise fee ($50K-$80K by population)

15-18% profit margins reported

600+ US locations

Lower liquid capital requirement ($75K)

Sliding royalty rewards growth

Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer

This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.

Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.