Cost of Living in Australia

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 16, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

In Australia, a single person can expect to spend around A$3,890 (roughly €2,350) per month, while a family of four might need about A$9,479 monthly (around €5,700).

Let's break down the cost of living in Australia, including essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare, to give you a clearer picture of what to expect when planning your budget.

*All costs are in Australian dollars (A$). A$1 is approximately €0.61 or US$0.67, based on current (September 2024) Wise exchange rates.

How expensive is it to live in Australia?

Australia ranks as the 10th most expensive country in the world, according to Numbeo. Including rent, a family of four spends around A$9,479 each month (on average), with A$5,851 going toward living expenses and A$3,628 for rent. For a single person, the total monthly cost of living in Australia is about A$3,890, including A$1,654 for living costs and A$2,236 for rent.

When compared to Germany, Australia is more expensive. A family of four in Germany typically spends around A$8,043 per month, while in Australia, the same family spends around A$9,479. For a single person, the monthly cost in Germany is about A$3,006, compared to A$3,890 in Australia.

The Netherlands is the closest European country in terms of costs. A family in the Netherlands spends around A$9,247 a month, and a single person spends about A$3,887. Though the differences are minimal, overall living costs can add up in different ways depending on the country (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Australia?

Canberra is currently the most expensive city in Australia for a family of four, with a total monthly cost of A$10,954, including rent. Despite Canberra having rent prices 22.6% lower than Sydney, its overall cost of living (especially for essentials like groceries and dining out) pushes it above Sydney in terms of total expenses. While Sydney is ranked second, the difference comes down to Canberra's higher day-to-day costs, with restaurant prices 21.7% higher and groceries 2.1% more expensive. Adelaide, by comparison, is much more affordable, with a total cost of A$9,873 per month for a family of four.

Cheapest city in Australia

The cheapest city in Australia is Townsville, with a cost of living of around A$1,861 per month. Other affordable cities include Bendigo at A$1,962 and Ballarat at A$1,977 (both in Victoria). These cities offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to the larger, more expensive urban centers in the country.

Cost of living in Australia vs the UK

Living in Australia is pricier than in the UK. A family of four in the UK spends about A$8,818 a month, while in Australia, it's around A$9,479. For a single person, the UK costs come to roughly A$3,653 monthly compared to A$3,890 in Australia. Rent is a big factor here — rent for a family in the UK is A$3,432, slightly less than Australia’s A$3,628. For singles, UK rent averages A$2,064, whereas in Australia, it’s a bit higher at A$2,236 (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Australian average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Australia vs the US

Living in the US is generally more expensive than what you can expect from the Australia cost of living. For a family of four, the monthly cost in the US is about A$10,594, while in Australia, it's slightly lower at A$9,479. For a single person, the US costs come to roughly A$4,367 per month, compared to A$3,890 in Australia. Rent is a major factor — US rent for a family averages A$4,383, which is more than Australia’s A$3,628. For singles, US rent is about A$2,621 compared to A$2,236 in Australia (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Depending on the location and the size of the apartment, the average monthly rent in Australia is as follows (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: A$2,236
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: A$1,761
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: A$3,628
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: A$2,633

Renting in Australia is tough in 2024, with prices going up and a lack of housing. As of June 2024, costs are still rising, especially in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Many people end up spending more than 30% of their income on rent. Finding a place is not easy, but some regional areas might be more affordable and have more options.

How to find an apartment in Australia

In Australia, most leases are for 6 to 12 months, with rent paid weekly or bi-weekly, so it's a good idea to have all your paperwork ready — ID, income statements, and references — to move quickly when you find a place. Set up automatic rent payments via bank transfer to avoid any hiccups. Start your search on Domain or Real Estate for general listings, and if you're looking to share, Flatmates is one of the most popular sites. Always inspect the property before signing anything, and take photos of its condition. You'll need to pay a rental bond (deposit), usually four to six weeks' rent, which is held by a government bond authority until the end of your lease. For more on this, check Rental Bonds Online. Rental rules vary by state, so make sure to check NSW Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs Victoria for specifics.

Water is usually covered in the rent, but you’ll need to pay for other utilities like electricity, gas, and internet. Most rentals are unfurnished, so be prepared to budget for furniture and appliances. You can find affordable options on AppliancesOnline (for new appliances) or Facebook Marketplace (for used appliances). Getting renters insurance is a good idea to protect your belongings since the landlord’s insurance won’t cover your stuff. Check out CHOICE for more tips and to understand your rights as a renter. Be ready for some challenges — rentals go fast in popular areas, and you might have to compromise on location or amenities. Rent increases can also happen, so read your lease terms carefully. And finally, finding fully furnished places can be tricky, and setting up utilities might take a bit of time if you're new to the country.

If you need help finding a place to rent in Australia, we're here to help. We can provide a personalized quote or connect you with trusted local partners who have assisted others in finding rentals across the country. Let us make your search easier and less stressful. 

Utilities

A big part of your cost of living in Australia will be spent on utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: A$303
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: A$42
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): A$82

As these can add up throughout the year, consider the following tips to help you cut some of the cost of living in Australia:

• Compare and pick the right energy plan: Use the Energy Made Easy website to compare electricity and gas plans in your area. Look for plans that fit your usage, especially those with off-peak rates to save more.
• Use off-peak hours and energy-efficient appliances: Run heavy appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours (usually 10 pm to 7 am). Choose energy-efficient appliances using the Energy Rating Calculator to find the best options.
• Maintain appliances and use them wisely: Keep your appliances in good shape, like cleaning fridge coils and fixing seals. Turn off devices at the wall when not in use to avoid "phantom" energy use. See more tips on energy.gov.au.
• Use rebates and assistance programs: Check for government rebates to help with upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. Find programs in your area using the Rebates and Assistance Sorter.

Public transport

Australia has all the public transport options like buses, trains, trams, and ferries in most cities. Each city has its own transport card — like Sydney’s Opal, Melbourne’s myki, and Brisbane’s go card. For travelling between cities, domestic flights with airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar are usually the quickest. If you prefer something more scenic, check out The Ghan or Indian Pacific trains. For budget-friendly travel, Greyhound Australia has long-distance bus routes, or you can rent a car through DriveNow — just keep in mind that distances can be pretty big here!

Here’s a snapshot of the public transport prices in Australia (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: A$5
• Regular monthly pass: A$168
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: A$6
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: A$60
• Gasoline: A$1.90 per liter

Food

For groceries in Australia, you've got options for all budgets. Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI are the main supermarkets, with ALDI known for lower prices. Costco offers bulk buying, which can save money on essentials, helping with the relatively high Australia cost of living. For fresh produce, try local markets or greengrocers, but they can be pricier. Use loyalty programs like Everyday Rewards (Woolworths) and Flybuys (Coles) for discounts. The Frugl Grocery app is handy for comparing weekly prices at major stores.

Depending on dietary habits, location, and shopping preferences, groceries in Australia in a month cost around (Source: Finder.com.au):

• For a single person: A$550-A$700
• For a couple: A$700-A$900
• For a family of four: A$1,000-A$1,300

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: A$25
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): A$120
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): A$15
• Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught): A$11
• Cappuccino (regular): A$5.30
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle): A$4
• Water (0.33 litre bottle): A$3.30

Mobile phone plan

To get connected in Australia, decide if you want a prepaid plan for flexibility or a postpaid plan for more data and consistent billing. If you have an unlocked phone, just grab a SIM card when you arrive. If you want a new phone, many carriers offer plans with phones included. eSIMs are also an option, letting you set up without a physical SIM card. Just activate your SIM online, and you’re good to go.

Major providers and prices:

• Telstra: Prepaid from A$35/28 days (15GB); Postpaid from A$55/month (40GB).
• Optus: Prepaid from A$30/28 days (10GB); Postpaid from A$39/month (20GB).
• Vodafone: Prepaid from A$30/28 days (10GB); Postpaid from A$40/month (30GB).

Cheaper options:

• Dodo: A$10/month for 2GB (not recommended)
• iiNet: A$12.50/month for 25GB (first 6 months).
• Kogan Mobile: A$15/month for 10GB (recommended).
• Boost Mobile: Prepaid from A$20/28 days for 5GB.

eSIM options:

• Airalo
• Esim
• Holafly

Childcare

Childcare in Australia has plenty of options for expats, but the costs can vary based on location, type of care, and whether you're eligible for subsidies. The government offers a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help cover costs. What you can get depends on things like your family's income, activity levels, and the type of child care you choose. Expats may qualify for CCS if they meet residency requirements and their children are up-to-date with immunizations. For detailed information on eligibility and how to apply, check out the Services Australia website. It's a good idea to research local childcare providers and apply early, as there can be long waiting lists, especially for children under two.

Childcare types and prices (Source: Yellow Pages):

• Long-day care: A$70-A$190 per day; full-day programs for children up to 5 years old.
• Preschool: A$45-A$80 per day; early education for children aged 3-5, often linked to public school terms.
• Family day care: A$7-A$17 per hour; in-home care by an educator, for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years.
• Outside school hours care: A$15-A$45 per session.
• Business-related crèches: A$6 per hour/A$190 per day; informal care in business spaces like gyms or shopping centers.
• Nannies and Au pairs: A$18-A$55 per hour; in-home flexible care with varying services, plus agency fees.
• Playgroups: Free or A$5-A$10 per session; parent-supervised community-based activities.
• Occasional care: A$12-A$35 per hour; temporary care available for children up to 5 years old.

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: A$2,443 (roughly €1,480)
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: A$19,237 (around €11,600)

Gym

On the whole, gyms in Australia are affordable and available, from basic 24/7 access gyms to high-end clubs with classes and wellness facilities. Many gyms offer flexible memberships like pay-as-you-go or cancel-anytime, which is great if you're not planning to stay long-term or don’t want to commit to one club.

Major gym franchises and monthly prices:

• Fitness First: Starting at A$100
• Snap Fitness: From A$49.99
• Jetts Fitness: Starting at A$59.99
• Anytime Fitness: Starting at A$78
• F45 Training: A$60-A$70 per week (varies by location)
• Virgin Active: A$55-A$65 per week
• Fernwood Fitness (Women-only): Starting at A$100
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): A$76.60 (roughly €46)