The initial cost of franchising a Subway ranges from $147,050 to $320,700, depending on the location and size of the restaurant. This initial investment includes the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, and other start-up costs.

Opening a Subway franchise in 2026 requires a total investment that generally ranges from $200,000 to $500,000 in the United States, or approximately ₹60 lakh to ₹1.2 crore in India. This total includes the initial franchise fee, which is typically around $15,000 (or localized equivalents). Beyond the fee, you must account for real estate leasing, specialized equipment (ovens, refrigeration), signage, and initial inventory. Subway also requires franchisees to have a certain amount of "liquid assets" (cash on hand) to cover operating expenses for the first few months. Additionally, owners must pay an ongoing weekly royalty fee (usually 8% of gross sales) and a marketing fee (around 4.5%). While Subway is one of the more "affordable" major fast-food franchises to start, the total cost fluctuates based on whether the location is a traditional storefront, a food court, or a "non-traditional" site like a gas station.