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Setup Cost Estimator

Rough Australian ballpark ranges for common homestead infrastructure.

Compiled from public Australian trade-pricing guides, mid-2026. Prices vary significantly by region, supplier, and site access — treat these as a starting-point ballpark only and always get local quotes before budgeting seriously.

Enter quantities (metres for fencing, number of units for everything else)
Chain wire / mesh fencing
$40–$65 per metre · Cheapest option, no privacy — fine for containing poultry/livestock
$0
Timber paling fencing
$70–$105 per metre · Good general-purpose boundary fencing
$0
Colorbond steel fencing
$80–$120 per metre · Durable, low maintenance
$0
Water tank — small (~1,000-2,000L)
$700–$925 each · Garden watering, compact spaces
$0
Water tank — medium (~5,000L)
$1100–$1400 each · Common suburban/small acreage size
$0
Water tank — large (~10,000L)
$2095–$3175 each · Mid-size rural/acreage choice
$0
Water tank — extra large (~22,700L)
$3295–$5350 each · Popular larger rural size
$0
Chicken coop — small (2-5 birds)
$250–$700 each · DIY or basic kit
$0
Chicken coop — large (10+ birds)
$700–$1749 each · Walk-in size
$0
Raised garden bed (materials, per bed)
$50–$180 each · Timber/kit, excludes soil
$0
Beehive starter kit (box + frames)
$400–$700 each · Excludes bees, suit, and extractor
$0
Duck housing (small flock, DIY)
$300–$800 each · House + fenced run, excludes water feature
$0
Goose housing (small flock, DIY)
$400–$1000 each · Sturdier fencing needed than ducks
$0
Turkey housing (small flock, DIY)
$500–$1200 each · Larger bird, taller structure than chickens
$0
Quail aviary (small colony, DIY)
$150–$400 each · Compact, fully enclosed against escape and predators
$0
Meat rabbit hutch (DIY)
$150–$450 each · Raised hutch, predator-proofed
$0
Goat shelter (dairy or meat, DIY)
$600–$1800 each · Dry, draft-free shelter, size and material dependent
$0
Sheep shelter (DIY)
$500–$1500 each · Basic three-sided shelter, size dependent
$0
Pig shelter & pen (DIY)
$500–$1800 each · Sturdy construction needed, pigs are destructive on weak structures
$0
Dairy cattle shelter & yard (DIY)
$2000–$6000 each · Bigger scale than smaller livestock, includes basic milking area
$0

Save this estimate to come back to later, on this device

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tool cover housing costs for every animal?

Yes - every animal guide on this site has its own dedicated housing line item, from a small quail aviary through to a full dairy cattle shelter and yard, each with its own realistic cost range rather than one generic livestock-shelter estimate.

Why are these called estimates rather than quotes?

Prices vary significantly by region, supplier, and site access across Australia. These figures are compiled from public trade-pricing guides as a starting-point ballpark, and always need confirming with local quotes before serious budgeting.

What is included in each housing cost range?

Each range reflects a DIY-built structure using standard materials, sized appropriately for that animal. It generally excludes the animals themselves and specialist equipment - see each item's note for specifics.

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