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Cost of living Australia

Cost of Living in Australia

Plan your finances before you arrive: a practical guide to the cost of living across Australia's major cities, from housing to groceries and transport.

What to Expect

Australia is a high-income country with a correspondingly higher cost of living than many parts of the world. However, with strong minimum wages, excellent public services, and high quality of life, most migrants find the trade-off very worthwhile. The biggest variable in your budget will be housing, which varies enormously by city and suburb.

Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities, particularly for rent. Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth offer a more affordable lifestyle while still providing excellent employment opportunities. Regional areas are significantly cheaper and often come with migration incentives for skilled workers.

$500–$800
Weekly rent (1-bed apartment)
$250–$400
Monthly groceries (single person)
$100–$200
Monthly public transport
$200–$350
Monthly utilities (electricity, gas)

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Consumer Price Index (Cat. 6401.0) Dec 2024 · ABS Residential Property Price Indexes (Cat. 6416.0) Sep 2024

City-by-City Cost Comparison

Indicative comparison for a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range suburb.

City1-Bed Rent/WeekMonthly GroceriesMonthly TransportMeal Out (mid)Cost Index
Sydney$650–$800$320–$420$150–$200$28–$45High
Melbourne$530–$680$290–$390$110–$180$25–$40High
Brisbane$520–$660$270–$360$100–$160$22–$36Medium
Perth$550–$700$270–$360$90–$150$22–$36Medium
Adelaide$430–$560$250–$330$85–$140$20–$34Lower

Figures are indicative for 2024 and represent mid-range options. Actual costs depend on lifestyle, location within city, and household size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Australia is generally more expensive than most of Asia and South America, and comparable to, or slightly cheaper than, the UK in many categories. Sydney and Melbourne rank among the world's more expensive cities. However, Australian wages are high, with a national minimum wage above AUD 23 per hour, and the social safety net (Medicare, super) reduces many living costs compared to the US or UK.
Rental costs vary significantly by city and suburb. As a rough guide: Sydney $700–$1,100+/week for a 2-bedroom apartment; Melbourne $550–$900/week; Brisbane $550–$800/week; Perth $550–$750/week; Adelaide $450–$650/week. Regional areas are substantially cheaper. Shared accommodation halves your costs and is common among new arrivals.
A single person typically spends $100–$150 per week on groceries; a family of four $250–$350 per week. Australia's two main supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles, are well stocked and competitive. Budget alternatives like ALDI and IGA can reduce costs. Eating out is popular but expensive: a casual meal is typically $20–$35 per person; a coffee $5–$6.
All major Australian cities have Opal/Myki/Go Card contactless transit systems. Weekly commuting costs in Sydney or Melbourne average $40–$60 for most workers. Monthly passes are available in some states. Owning a car adds significant cost, with registration, insurance, and fuel totalling $300–$600 per month depending on vehicle and usage. Many migrants choose suburbs with good public transport links to avoid car ownership initially.
Superannuation (super) is a compulsory retirement saving. Your employer pays an additional 11% of your gross salary into a super fund. While you cannot access it until retirement age (generally 60+), it effectively increases your total compensation package and builds long-term wealth. For permanent residents who later leave Australia, super can sometimes be accessed early under the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.
Common costs that surprise new arrivals include: FIRB fees if buying property, private health insurance (often required by visa), international school fees if your children are on certain temporary visas, car registration and compulsory third-party insurance, and the cost of furniture and household setup. Budget $5,000–$15,000 for initial settlement costs beyond rent and moving expenses, depending on your situation.

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