Quick-Service Food · head-to-head

McDonald's Australia vs Pizza Hut Australia

A McDonald's Australia franchise costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in, versus $342,289–$2,978,264 for Pizza Hut Australia. Pizza Hut Australia has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia is the larger network (1,076 vs 284 Australian outlets). On ongoing fees, McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and Pizza Hut Australia charges 6.0% royalty.

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

Side by side

FeeMcDonald's AustraliaPizza Hut Australia
Total investment (all-in)$1,500,000–$2,600,000$342,289–$2,978,264
Initial franchise fee$45,000$25,000
Fit-out & equipment$700,000–$1,500,000$250,000–$600,000
Working capital$300,000$80,000
Royalty5.0%6.0%
Marketing levy4.0%4.3%
Term20 years20 years
Australian outlets1,076284
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?

Pizza Hut Australia is the cheaper way in, its establishment range starts at $342,289 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. On ongoing cost, McDonald's Australia takes the smaller royalty (5.0% vs 6.0%), which compounds over the life of the agreement.

Both in context

McDonald's Australia and Pizza Hut 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 Pizza Hut Australia cheaper to buy?

Pizza Hut Australia has the lower entry cost. McDonald's Australia costs $1,500,000–$2,600,000 all-in versus $342,289–$2,978,264 for Pizza Hut Australia. These are establishment ranges including working capital, always verify against the disclosure document.

Which has more locations, McDonald's Australia or Pizza Hut Australia?

McDonald's Australia is the larger network, with 1,076 Australian outlets versus 284 for Pizza Hut Australia.

What royalty do McDonald's Australia and Pizza Hut Australia charge?

McDonald's Australia charges 5.0% royalty and a 4.0% marketing levy. Pizza Hut Australia charges 6.0% royalty and a 4.3% marketing levy. Both are ongoing percentages of gross sales, confirm the current rates with each franchisor.

Should I choose McDonald's Australia or Pizza Hut 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.

More quick-service food comparisons

Keep researching