Private Chef Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a private chef. The duration and type are the main cost drivers, along with delivery and any staffing.
Your private chef details
Above the typical range — usually premium options or a more complex job.
A private chef's fee usually excludes groceries, which are charged at cost on top, confirm whether the quote includes ingredients. For a group in a holiday house, a chef per day split between guests can rival restaurant prices.
💰 Ways to save
- Weekday and off-peak bookings are cheaper, and peak dates (Saturdays, December) book out and cost more.
- Book early for popular dates, the good vendors get taken months ahead for weddings and holidays.
- Bundle delivery, setup and pack-down into the quote so there are no surprise add-ons on the day.
How we estimate this
A private chef in Australia typically costs around $90 to $150 per head in 2026 for a dinner party, rising to $180 to $300 per head for a multi-course degustation, or $600 to $1,200 per day for a holiday or weekly chef, often plus groceries.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
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Pricing reviewed November 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding private chef costs in Australia
A private chef in Australia typically costs around $90 to $150 per head in 2026 for a dinner party, rising to $180 to $300 per head for a multi-course degustation, or $600 to $1,200 per day for a holiday or weekly chef, often plus groceries.
A private chef is priced per head for an event or per day for ongoing cooking, usually excluding groceries, which are charged at cost. The menu complexity (dinner vs degustation) and any kitchen help drive the cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private chef cost in Australia?
Roughly $90 to $150 per head in 2026 for a dinner party, $180 to $300 for a degustation, or $600 to $1,200 per day for a holiday chef, often plus groceries at cost.
Does a private chef include the cost of food?
Usually not, the chef's fee covers their time and skill, and groceries are charged at cost on top. Always confirm whether a quote includes ingredients, as it makes a big difference to the total.
Are you a event / party vendor?
Everyone on this page is working out what private chef costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.