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Quick-Service Food · head-to-head

McDonald's Australia vs KFC Australia

A McDonald's Australia franchise costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in, versus $1,500,000–$2,500,000 for KFC Australia. Both sit at a similar entry cost. McDonald's Australia is the larger network (1,050 vs 760 Australian outlets). On ongoing fees, McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and KFC Australia charges 5.0% royalty.

Figures as at July 2026 (McDonald's Australia) and July 2026 (KFC Australia). Confirm both against the disclosure document.

Side by side

McDonald's AustraliaKFC Australia
Total investment (all-in)$1,500,000–$2,600,000$1,500,000–$2,500,000
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
Royalty5.0%5.0%
Marketing levy4.0%4.0%
Term20 years20 years
Australian outlets1,050760
CategoryQuick-Service FoodQuick-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?

Entry costs are close: McDonald's Australia starts at $1,500,000 and KFC Australia at $1,500,000 all-in. The deciding factor is more likely to be territory availability and format than headline price.

Both in context

McDonald's Australia and KFC Australia are both quick-service food systems. The category median all-in investment is $350,000$900,000 with a 7.0% median royalty (Fee Index, n=96). 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?

Both start at a similar all-in investment (around $1,500,000). McDonald's Australia ranges $1,500,000–$2,600,000 and KFC Australia ranges $1,500,000–$2,500,000. Confirm both against each franchisor's disclosure document.

Which has more locations, McDonald's Australia or KFC Australia?

McDonald's Australia is the larger network, with 1,050 Australian outlets versus 760 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.

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