How much does it cost to start a business in Australia?
It depends entirely on the type of business. Below are realistic, itemised cost ranges for popular small businesses — from low-cost service businesses you can start from home, to capital-heavy ventures like cafés and food trucks. Each guide breaks down one-off setup costs, monthly running costs, the licences you need, and tips to start lean.
Startup cost comparison
| Business | One-off setup | Per month | To launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥐 Bakery | $37,000 – $145,000 | $11,650 – $44,600 | $71,950 – $278,800 |
| 📊 Bookkeeping Business | $1,600 – $10,500 | $300 – $2,600 | $2,500 – $18,300 |
| ☕ Café | $52,000 – $195,500 | $14,300 – $49,400 | $94,900 – $343,700 |
| 🧽 Cleaning Business | $1,700 – $10,500 | $810 – $12,050 | $4,130 – $46,650 |
| 👗 Clothing Boutique | $19,500 – $96,000 | $5,600 – $39,700 | $36,300 – $215,100 |
| 🐩 Dog Grooming Business | $4,600 – $60,000 | $460 – $9,500 | $5,980 – $88,500 |
| ⚡ Electrical Business | $24,000 – $88,500 | $2,550 – $19,400 | $31,650 – $146,700 |
| 🚚 Food Truck | $48,000 – $185,500 | $4,400 – $27,000 | $61,200 – $266,500 |
| ✂️ Hairdressing Salon | $28,300 – $108,500 | $8,700 – $33,300 | $54,400 – $208,400 |
| 🛠️ Handyman Business | $3,500 – $52,500 | $1,260 – $6,550 | $7,280 – $72,150 |
| 🌿 Landscaping & Lawn Mowing | $6,400 – $61,000 | $930 – $10,250 | $9,190 – $91,750 |
| 🚐 Mobile Coffee Van | $33,300 – $131,000 | $2,500 – $15,200 | $40,800 – $176,600 |
| 🛒 Online Store / E-commerce | $1,300 – $32,500 | $1,150 – $20,000 | $4,750 – $92,500 |
| 💪 Personal Training Business | $4,750 – $17,400 | $350 – $4,810 | $5,800 – $31,830 |
| 📷 Photography Business | $4,800 – $31,500 | $350 – $4,800 | $5,850 – $45,900 |
| 🔧 Plumbing Business | $25,000 – $90,500 | $2,550 – $20,400 | $32,650 – $151,700 |
"To launch" = one-off costs plus a 3-month running-cost buffer. Estimates for 2025–26; your figures will vary.
Build your own budget: these are guides — use the startup cost calculator to tailor the numbers to your exact plan.
General information only — not financial, legal, tax or business advice. Estimates vary by your circumstances.