Opening a barbershop in Australia is a popular path into small business, but you need a clear view of upfront and ongoing costs. Rents and wages vary by state and city—Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than regional centres—and your total outlay depends on the size and fit-out of your shop. All figures here are in Australian dollars (AUD). For licensing and legal steps by state, see: How to open a barbershop in Australia.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Australia: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): $28,000 – $85,000 AUD. Medium (3–4 chairs): $85,000 – $180,000 AUD. Premium: $220,000+ AUD. These ranges include equipment, rent (bond and first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and location: what to expect in Australian cities
Rent is often your biggest fixed cost. Prime retail and CBD strips cost more; suburban shopping strips and secondary locations are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents to help you budget.
- Sydney (CBD, inner suburbs like Surry Hills, Newtown): $2,500 – $8,000+ per month.
- Sydney (outer suburbs, Parramatta, Liverpool): $1,200 – $3,500 per month.
- Melbourne (CBD, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Chapel Street): $2,000 – $6,500 per month.
- Melbourne (outer suburbs, Dandenong, Frankston): $1,000 – $3,000 per month.
- Brisbane (city, Fortitude Valley, South Bank): $1,500 – $5,000 per month.
- Brisbane (suburbs): $800 – $2,500 per month.
- Perth, Adelaide (prime retail): $1,200 – $4,000 per month.
- Perth, Adelaide (secondary areas); regional centres: $600 – $2,200 per month.
Landlords usually require a bond (e.g. 4–6 weeks’ rent) and advance rent. Allow for at least 2–3 months’ rent when calculating startup costs.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, budget roughly $9,000 – $27,000 AUD for chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, basins and basic furniture. Licences and registrations (ABN, business name, council approval, state licensing where required) can add $500 – $3,500 depending on your state. Full details: how to open a barbershop in Australia.
Management software
Barbería Club helps you manage appointments and clients from day one. You can try Barbería Club for free.
Cost breakdown by shop size (AUD)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $9,000 – $27,000 | $22,500 – $63,000 | $63,000 – $126,000 |
| Rent (bond + 2 months) | $3,600 – $12,000 | $6,000 – $19,200 | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | $3,400 – $10,400 | $6,800 – $19,800 | $11,200 – $32,400 |
| Working capital | $5,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $30,000 | $20,000 – $44,000 |
| Total (AUD) | $28,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $180,000 | $180,000 – $220,000+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in Australia is 60–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months. To keep costs down: consider second-hand or refurbished equipment, negotiate rent or fit-out contributions, use Google Business Profile and Instagram for local marketing, and run the shop with efficient booking software. More ideas: how to increase barbershop sales.
Local SEO in Australia
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile with your business name, address, phone, opening hours and photos. Use phrases like “barbershop [suburb]” or “men’s haircut [city]” on your website and profile. Encourage customer reviews and keep your details consistent everywhere to improve visibility in local search.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs $28,000–$85,000 AUD; a medium one $85,000–$180,000. A premium shop can exceed $220,000 AUD.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good location and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
You typically need an ABN, business name registration, local council approval, and in some states a hairdressing/barbering certificate. Full steps: how to open a barbershop in Australia.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn $3,500–$8,500 per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches $7,000–$12,000 or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in Australia step by step
For licences, council approval and legal requirements by state, see: How to open a barbershop in Australia.