KOA franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The KOA franchise fee is $45,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $4,981,000 to $16,421,775, with about $1,570,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the KOA FDD.
What are the KOA franchise fees and investment?
The KOA franchise requires a franchise fee of $45,000 and a total initial investment of $4,981,000 to $16,421,775. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $45,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $4,981,000 to $16,421,775 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $1,570,000 |
| US locations | 478 |
| Industry | Real Estate |
| Headquarters | Billings, Montana |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Franchising since | 1963 |
How does the KOA investment compare with other real estate franchises?
KOA's minimum investment of $4,981,000 is above the median minimum investment of $97,161 across the 116 real estate franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 2 of the other 115 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $45,000 compares with an industry median of $34,750.
By minimum investment, KOA belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the KOA FDD?
Verify six parts of the KOA Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether KOA discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to KOA?
These real estate franchises have the closest minimum investment to KOA:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Fueled Collective | $30,000 to $125,000 | $2,016,600 to $14,261,150 |
| 1 Percent Lists | $15,000 | $1,731,885 to $2,237,682 |
| Velox Valuations | $20,000 | $1,396,000 to $2,703,000 |
| Salons by JC | $60,000 | $1,331,200 to $2,043,400 |
| Sola Salon Studios | $60,000 | $1,181,960 to $1,939,349 |
See every brand in real estate franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a KOA franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a KOA franchise ranges from $4,981,000 to $16,421,775, including a franchise fee of $45,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a KOA franchise?
KOA lists a minimum of about $1,570,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many KOA locations are there?
KOA reported 478 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has KOA been franchising?
KOA started offering franchises in 1963 after the company was founded in 1962.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. KOA and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by KOA. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.