Vagabond Inn franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Vagabond Inn franchise fee is $1,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $174,500 to $7,066,500, with about $380,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Vagabond Inn FDD.
What are the Vagabond Inn franchise fees and investment?
The Vagabond Inn franchise requires a franchise fee of $1,000 and a total initial investment of $174,500 to $7,066,500. 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) | $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $174,500 to $7,066,500 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $380,000 |
| US locations | 29 |
| Industry | Hotels & Travel (Hotels & Lodging) |
| Headquarters | El Segundo, California |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Franchising since | 2012 |
How does the Vagabond Inn investment compare with other hotels & travel franchises?
Vagabond Inn's minimum investment of $174,500 is at or below the median minimum investment of $7,607,385 across the 195 hotels & travel franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 162 of the other 194 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $1,000 compares with an industry median of $50,000.
By minimum investment, Vagabond Inn belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Vagabond Inn FDD?
Verify six parts of the Vagabond Inn 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 Vagabond Inn 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 Vagabond Inn?
These hotels & travel franchises have the closest minimum investment to Vagabond Inn:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Magnuson Hotels | $10,000 | $175,000 to $400,000 |
| D Pet Hotels | $50,000 | $173,600 to $736,000 |
| LivSmart Studios by Hilton | $100,000 | $165,600 to $315,700 |
| Econo Lodge | $35,000 | $185,645 to $1,047,895 |
| Postcard Cabins | $50,000 | $192,925 to $363,625 |
See every brand in hotels & travel franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Vagabond Inn franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Vagabond Inn franchise ranges from $174,500 to $7,066,500, including a franchise fee of $1,000, 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 Vagabond Inn franchise?
Vagabond Inn lists a minimum of about $380,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Vagabond Inn locations are there?
Vagabond Inn reported 29 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 Vagabond Inn been franchising?
Vagabond Inn started offering franchises in 2012 after the company was founded in 1958.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Vagabond Inn and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Vagabond Inn. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.