Best Low-Cost Franchises in Australia (Under $100K)
15 franchise systems with a total all-in investment under $100,000, cheapest first. The figure is the establishment cost including working capital — not the franchise fee alone.
| # | Franchise | Category | Units | Investment (all-in) | Royalty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fantastic Services | Cleaning | 60 | $4K–$15K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 2 | V.I.P. Home Services | Cleaning | 750 | $12K–$30K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 3 | Jim's Mowing | Lawn & Garden | 2,600 | $20K–$50K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 4 | Jim's Cleaning | Cleaning | 800 | $25K–$35K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 5 | Jim's Test & Tag | B2B Services | 350 | $25K–$55K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 6 | Mortgage Choice | Mortgage & Finance | 400 | $25K–$150K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 7 | Aussie Pooch Mobile | Pet Services | 150 | $27K–$60K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 8 | Chem-Dry Australia | Cleaning | 200 | $40K–$120K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 9 | NumberWorks'nWords | Education & Tutoring | 45 | $40K–$100K | 10.0% | Cost |
| 10 | Hire A Hubby | Home & Trade Services | 300 | $45K–$150K | 9.0% | Cost |
| 11 | italktravel | Travel & Cruise | 150 | $50K–$180K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 12 | Helloworld Travel | Travel & Cruise | 1,000 | $60K–$200K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 13 | Kumon Australia | Education & Tutoring | 350 | $67K–$146K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 14 | Flight Centre | Travel & Cruise | 650 | $70K–$220K | 0.0% | Cost |
| 15 | Jim's Dog Wash | Pet Services | 200 | $70K–$100K | 0.0% | Cost |
Lowest entry on this list: Fantastic Services from $3,750 all-in. Investment figures are all-in establishment costs (Q2 2026 Fee Index). Rankings are directory listings, not endorsements — always verify fees against the disclosure document.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest franchise to start in Australia?
The lowest-entry systems are typically home-based services — cleaning, lawn and garden, and courier franchises — starting from around $30K–$50K all-in. This list ranks them cheapest first.
Are low-cost franchises worth it?
A low entry cost still needs working capital to cover wages, stock and rent before the site is cash-flow positive. Always confirm the all-in figure, not just the franchise fee, and check the royalty and marketing levy.