It is the first question almost every business asks: what does it actually cost to lease an office printer or photocopier in Australia? The honest answer is that it depends, but that is not very helpful on its own. So let us break down exactly what you are paying for, the indicative monthly ranges you can expect, and how to make sure the quote you receive is one you can trust.
Unlike buying a machine outright, a lease spreads the cost of the hardware, consumables, parts and servicing into a regular payment. That makes budgeting simple, but it also means the “price” of a lease is really several things bundled together. Understanding those parts is the key to comparing quotes properly and avoiding the traps. If you are still weighing the two options, our guide on printer leasing versus buying is a useful companion to this article.
What drives the cost of a printer lease
Five factors do most of the work in setting your monthly figure:
- Device tier. A compact A4 office printer costs far less than a high-volume A3 multifunction device with finishing, large paper trays and advanced scanning.
- Colour or mono. Colour devices and colour pages cost more than mono. If most of your printing is black and white, you should not be paying colour rates for it.
- Print volume. The number of pages you produce each month shapes both the device you need and your cost-per-page. Higher volumes usually mean a lower rate per page.
- Support and service level. A genuine response-time guarantee, like our 2-hour onsite promise, and automatic toner delivery are part of the value, not an optional extra.
- Lease term. Most agreements run three to five years. A longer term can lower the monthly figure but locks you in for longer.
Indicative monthly ranges
Every quote is tailored, so treat the figures below as a starting point rather than a price list. As a rough guide for the Australian market:
| Device Type | Typical Use | Indicative From (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| A4 Mono Printer | Small teams with light printing. | $40–$80 |
| A4 Colour Printer | Small to mid-sized offices. | $60–$130 |
| A3 Colour Multifunction Printer | Busy offices needing print, copy and scan. | $120–$300+ |
| High-Volume A3 MFD | Large teams requiring high-speed printing and finishing. | $300–$700+ |
These ranges cover the device and standard support, but the way pages are charged on top of that is where leases really differ, so it is worth understanding cost-per-page before you compare quotes.
A lower monthly device figure can hide a higher cost-per-page, and vice versa. Always compare the total expected monthly cost at your real print volume, not just the headline rental.
Cost-per-page, explained
Most office leases use a cost-per-page model: you pay the monthly rental for the device, then an agreed rate for each page you print. Mono pages are inexpensive, often around one to two cents, while colour pages typically sit somewhere in the range of six to ten cents depending on the device and your volumes. Toner and consumables are included in that rate, which is why you should not be buying cartridges separately on a well-structured lease.
The advantage of this model is fairness. With pay-for-what-you-use pricing, a quiet month genuinely costs you less. The risk to watch for is a plan sized around volumes you will never reach, where you pay for capacity you do not use. A good provider sizes the agreement around how your office actually prints.
Hidden costs to watch for
The cheapest-looking quote is not always the cheapest deal. Before you sign, check for these common extras:
- Minimum volume charges. Some plans bill you for a set number of pages whether you print them or not.
- Excess and overage rates. Confirm what you pay if you go over your agreed volume, and whether those rates are reasonable.
- Call-out or travel fees. With a true onsite-support inclusion, you should not be charged extra each time a technician visits.
- End-of-term costs. Understand what happens at the end of the lease and any conditions around returning or upgrading the device.
- Separate consumables. Toner should be included and delivered automatically, not invoiced on the side.
For larger or multi-site businesses, bundling devices under managed print services can reduce the total further by giving you visibility and control over every device and every page across the fleet.
How to get an accurate quote
An accurate quote starts with an honest picture of your printing. Before you ask for pricing, gather a few details: roughly how many pages you print per month, the split between colour and mono, whether you need A3 as well as A4, and any must-have features like advanced scanning, secure release or finishing. A provider with local technicians and stock can then right-size a device and give you a clear, all-in figure.
At Copyworld, we assess your real usage first, then build a tailored proposal with a transparent cost-per-page and no hidden charges. As the exclusive Toshiba dealer for Adelaide and Perth, every lease includes our 2-hour onsite support promise and toner delivered before you run out.
Get a tailored leasing quote
Share a few details about your office and we will send a no-obligation proposal with a clear monthly cost and cost-per-page for the right Toshiba device.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to lease an office printer in Australia?
It varies with the device and your print volumes. As an indicative guide, A4 printers often start around $40 to $130 per month, while A3 colour multifunction devices typically range from about $120 to $300 or more, plus an agreed cost-per-page. A tailored quote based on your real usage is the only way to get an accurate figure.
What is cost-per-page?
It is the agreed rate you pay for each page printed, on top of the device rental. Mono pages are typically around one to two cents and colour pages around six to ten cents, with toner and consumables included.
Is toner included in a printer lease?
On a well-structured lease, yes. Toner and consumables should be included in your cost-per-page and delivered automatically, so you are not buying cartridges separately.
Can leasing reduce my overall printing costs?
Often, yes. Bundling the device, consumables, parts and support into one usage-based figure, and right-sizing the device to your volumes, usually works out more cost-effective and predictable than buying and managing everything yourself.
Keep reading
- Printer leasing vs buying: what’s best for your office?
- What is a multifunction device (MFD)?
- A guide to managed print services
- Printer & photocopier leasing in Adelaide & Perth
Published by Copyworld, the exclusive Toshiba multifunction device dealer for Adelaide and Perth. Pricing in this article is indicative only and varies by device, volume and term; contact us for a tailored quote.
