McDonald's Australia vs KFC Australia
Figures as at July 2026 (McDonald's Australia) and August 2026 (KFC Australia). Confirm both against the disclosure document.
Side by side
| Fee | McDonald's Australia | KFC Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Total investment (all-in) | $1,500,000–$2,600,000 | $1,273,994–$7,498,593 |
| Initial franchise fee | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Fit-out & equipment | $700,000–$1,500,000 | $700,000–$1,500,000 |
| Working capital | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Royalty | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Marketing levy | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Term | 20 years | 20 years |
| Australian outlets | 1,076 | 839 |
| Category | Quick-Service Food | Quick-Service Food |
Establishment ranges include working capital. Every figure is dated to its source, see each brand’s profile for the full breakdown and provenance.
Which is cheaper to get into?
KFC Australia is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $1,273,994 against $1,500,000 for the other. Remember the all-in figure includes working capital; the gap can narrow or widen once you cost fit-out for a specific site.
Both in context
McDonald's Australia and KFC Australia are both quick-service food systems. Across the category, the Fee Index shows a median all-in cost of $337,000–$675,000 (173 systems), a $45,000 median initial fee (9 systems), a 6.0% median royalty (9 systems) and a 4.3% median marketing levy (9 systems). See where each sits against the field in the Quick-Service Food Fee Index.
Common questions
Is McDonald's Australia or KFC Australia cheaper to buy?
KFC Australia has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in versus $1,273,994–$7,498,593 for KFC Australia. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.
Which has more locations, McDonald's Australia or KFC Australia?
McDonald's Australia is the larger network, with 1,076 Australian outlets versus 839 for KFC Australia.
What royalty do McDonald's Australia and KFC Australia charge?
McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and a 4.0% marketing levy. KFC Australia charges 5.0% royalty and a 4.0% marketing levy. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.
Should I choose McDonald's Australia or KFC Australia?
It depends on your budget, which territories each has available near you, and the format you want to run. This comparison uses each franchisor's published figures; before deciding, request both disclosure documents, check territory availability, and have an accountant review the numbers.