Cost of Living
AustraliaCost of Living
Although a great country with plenty of amazing landscapes and cities, Australia doesn’t come cheap. In Australia you pay more for everything and this reflects in a higher standard of living. Based on current exchange rates, as of 2026, the cost of living in Australia for a single person will be approximately AUD $3,200 per month. This is for basic needs such as rent, food and transport. These costs are important to consider when thinking about moving to Australia or when thinking about moving to a different region in Australia.
Cost of Living in Australia by City With a global average cost of $1,337, the cost of living in Australia can vary depending on the city. The most expensive city in Australia is Sydney. With a one-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, the average monthly cost for a single person in Sydney is approximately $3,200 (AUD). New 2026 updates include a boost to the public healthcare sector and incentives for installing solar panels, which will help Australian residents to manage the costs of living in the country.
Expats with over a decade of residence in Australia comment frequently that living locally to where their food is grown and joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) scheme reduces grocery bills markedly.
According to predictions, average monthly living costs for a single person in Australia in 2026 will be about AUD $3,200 or USD $2,300 or EUR $2,100. These costs are an estimate of needed housing, food, transport and other household expenses. Sydney is generally considered the most expensive city in Australia with the estimated monthly living cost being about AUD $4,000 or USD $2,900 or EUR $2,600. Estimated monthly living costs in Melbourne will be about AUD $3,700 or USD $2,700 or EUR $2,400, while Brisbane is set to be a little more affordable with costs expected to be about AUD $3,000 or USD $2,200 or EUR $2,000.Research shows that a family of four will require around $7500 AUD per month to live comfortably. This amount includes costs for childcare and school.Another thing that may come as a surprise to some people is that a high number of Australians save money on their monthly grocery bills by joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) scheme to purchase their produce.
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As most Australians are well aware, the cost of providing a home and paying rent is a major cost of living expense. Here is an overview of where rent prices stand in Australia in 2026. Renting and AUD 3,000 (USD 2,200, EUR 1,950) a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD of Sydney, Australia's most expensive capital, will set you back about $3,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD of Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city, will set you back $2,500. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane, Australia's third biggest city and known for being relatively affordable, will set you back about $2,100.
While the prices are higher in Melbourne and Brisbane, in Perth and Adelaide they're more affordable – averaging AUD $1,800 and $1,600 respectively. Most people won’t be aware of this, but the concept of shared accommodation is extremely common in Australia, and reduces the cost of renting for the individual. UPDATE: 2026 The Australian rental market has seen rental prices stabilise following the rise in new housing stock in 2026.
The cost of groceries can differ depending on the city you reside in, with Sydney being the most expensive with a weekly grocery bill amounting to about AUD 180 or $USD 130 / $EUR 115.Brisbane is the cheapest of all with a weekly grocery bill of $AUD 140 or $USD 100 / $EUR 90.
Average weekly grocery costs range from AUD 130–180 depending on the city, with Perth and Adelaide generally more affordable than Sydney.
For Australians, utilities and internet can be one of the biggest outlays each month. Average electricity bills are around AUD $150 per month, while water bills can reach up to AUD $80 a month. High-speed internet is another non-negotiable, costing typically in the order of AUD $70 per month.
Sydneysiders are now paying around $180 on average per month for electricity while those in Melbourne are paying around $160. Bundling internet and phone is cheaper than paying separately. Households in Brisbane are paying less on average for electricity – $140 a month.
Costs in this section are representative of what you might expect to pay when on holiday in Australia. We’ve split the costs into two categories: entertainment and lifestyle. the average dinner price per person is AUD 50, although meals in Sydney can be up to AUD 70 per head. In Melbourne, eating out in the main restaurants is around AUD 60 per head, although there are plenty of affordable options and dining in cheaper eating houses can be down to AUD 30-40 per head. In Brisbane prices seem to be slightly lower with an average price of around AUD 45 per head.
Movie tickets tend to hover in the AUD $20 (USD $14, EUR $13) mark and gym membership is sitting around the AUD $70 (USD $50, EUR $45) mark.
Cost of living in Australia - how do the cities compare? Australia's cities and towns are vastly different affordability and price. Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia, more so than Melbourne in many respects - this holds especially true house and eating out prices.Adelaide is arguably the cheapest of the 5 major cities in Australia.
A cost of living index for Sydney is about 85 and for Melbourne 80. You may not be aware that cities like Hobart and Darwin have a totally different lifestyle, also with lower cost of living. Expect more buyers in the regional areas in 2026 due to people being able to work remotely from home.
Affordability in Australia is a concern for many people. One of the easiest ways to save money is by reducing transport costs by catching public transport, rather than owning a car.Saving money on your power bill is also a great way to live a more affordable lifestyle. This can be achieved by installing energy efficient appliances in your home.
You might not be aware that a high number of Australians are actually making use of cashback apps and loyalty programs to save on costs. Another really effective way that Australians have managed to cut down on costs is by opting for shared accommodation. The government also announced some new incentives for solar panels in 2026 in an effort to encourage Australians to switch to solar power and therefore reduce their energy costs.
Healthcare funding was increased to improve mental health services.
Additional funding was allocated to vocational education programs.
New incentives for solar panel installations were introduced.
Discounts for students and seniors on public transport were expanded.
Policies to increase housing supply were implemented to stabilize rent prices.
The cost of living in regional Australia is vastly different to that in capital cities. Rent in a regional town can be 30-40% lower than in a city. This can be a very attractive option for those looking for a lower cost of living. However, regional towns can have higher living costs for items such as petrol, internet, movies and eating out as transport options and medical facilities aren't always available. Grocery shopping can also vary between the two with prices of grocery items being higher in regional towns due to the increase in freight costs on non-perishable items. Knowing the cost of living in the region you're thinking of moving to is very important when thinking about an interstate move.
Different parts of Australia have different climates and this affects the cost of living. In places such as Darwin, the cost of air conditioning can be very high during the hot months. In places such as Hobart, the cost of heating can be very high during the winter months. Also, the cost of food can fluctuate depending on the season. This can cause the cost of certain foods to be high during times when they aren't in season. Understanding and dealing with the effects of climate on the cost of living is a key part of personal financial management in Australia.
Deciding to use public transport or drive a car is a major consideration when thinking about costs of living in a country. Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have good public transport systems so it's possible to live there without owning a car. In Sydney, a monthly public transport ticket can cost from $150 to $200, and in Melbourne the cost is from $150 to $170. However, drivers in Australia pay high fuel, insurance and maintenance costs, which can easily exceed $500 per month. you'll need to think about your transportation needs and your personal situation to decide what is cheapest.
You’ve probably heard of inflation, but do you really know what it means? it's actually a rise in general prices and drop in purchasing power.Reviewing your salary and living expenses on a yearly basis is the most practical way of accounting for increases in inflation. Staying up to date with current events within the economy will also make it easier for you to adjust to any future hikes in inflation rates. An increased cost of living may mean that paying your mortgage or rent, as well as other everyday outgoings may increase, potentially disrupting your stability in your financial situation. If you wish to have further private cover you can purchase private health insurance, the monthly premium for this can range from $100 to $300 per month. The costs of prescription medications differ according to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that subsidies most of the drugs prescribed. it's therefore very important to understand the different aspects of the Australian health system to know how to handle possible future medical costs.
Australia's diverse job market offers various opportunities across its cities, impacting the cost of living and lifestyle choices. Sydney, as a financial hub, provides numerous roles in banking and finance, with average salaries often higher than in other regions. However, these positions come with the trade-off of higher living costs. Melbourne is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, offering opportunities in creative industries such as design and media. The city also has a strong presence in the education sector, with several renowned universities. Brisbane is growing in the fields of technology and healthcare, attracting professionals seeking a balance between career growth and a more affordable lifestyle. Perth benefits from its proximity to mining operations, offering jobs in engineering and natural resources, while Adelaide is emerging as a center for defense and aerospace industries.
Australians often employ smart strategies to manage living costs effectively.Moreover, taking advantage of public transport passes can significantly cut commuting costs, especially in cities with well-connected networks like Melbourne and Sydney. For those living in areas with abundant sunshine, installing solar panels can lower electricity bills over time, with government incentives available to offset initial costs. Additionally, exploring local markets for groceries can lead to savings, as these often offer competitive prices compared to supermarket chains.For instance, utilities and internet can significantly impact monthly budgets. On average, a basic package of utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, costs around AUD 200 (USD 147, EUR 132) per month for an 85m2 apartment. Internet services, with speeds suitable for streaming and remote work, average around AUD 70 (USD 51, EUR 46) monthly. Transportation is another critical expense. Monthly public transport passes range from AUD 150 (USD 110, EUR 99) in cities like Sydney and Melbourne to AUD 120 (USD 88, EUR 79) in Perth and Adelaide. For those opting for private vehicles, petrol prices hover around AUD 1.60 (USD 1.18, EUR 1.06) per litre, with additional costs for insurance and maintenance.
While Sydney remains the most expensive city, other cities offer unique cost advantages. Perth, for example, provides a balance of urban amenities with relatively lower living costs. Its proximity to beaches and parks offers free recreational options, reducing entertainment expenses. Conversely, Hobart in Tasmania offers a more relaxed lifestyle with a cost of living around AUD 2,800 (USD 2,060, EUR 1,850) monthly, making it attractive for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. In Darwin, the cost of groceries can be higher due to its remote location, yet housing remains affordable with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment around AUD 1,500 (USD 1,100, EUR 975). This city is ideal for those who prioritize outdoor activities and a warm climate.
To provide a clearer picture of living expenses, here is a detailed comparison table showcasing costs across different Australian cities:
| City | Average Monthly Expenses (AUD) | Average Monthly Expenses (USD) | Average Monthly Expenses (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 4,000 | 2,900 | 2,600 |
| Melbourne | 3,700 | 2,700 | 2,400 |
| Brisbane | 3,000 | 2,200 | 2,000 |
| Perth | 3,200 | 2,300 | 2,100 |
| Adelaide | 2,900 | 2,100 | 1,900 |
Implementing practical steps can further ease the financial burden. Carpooling or using ride-sharing apps can cut down on transportation costs. Additionally, opting for energy-efficient appliances and utilizing government rebates for solar panel installations can reduce utility bills over time. For those with families, exploring public school options or leveraging government childcare subsidies can significantly lower educational expenses. Engaging in these strategies not only helps manage monthly budgets but also enhances the overall quality of life in Australia.
The cost of living for a single person in Melbourne for each month on average is around AUD 3,200, broken down into accommodation: AUD 860, food and eating out: AUD 480, and transport: AUD 120.
Rent in Sydney inner city for a 1-bedroom apartment averages about AUD 3,000 per month in 2026.
A monthly public transport pass in Melbourne costs about AUD 190.
The average weekly grocery bill in Brisbane is around AUD 140.
Average monthly electricity costs are about $150 per house as well as water, internet etc.
International students pay higher tuition fees, often exceeding AUD 30,000 annually for undergraduate programs.
* Taking the bus, tram, train and going to the market to buy food, and joining programmes which give points in exchange for money you spend.
Dining out in Sydney can cost up to AUD 70 per person.
Yes Adelaide is one of the most affordable major cities in Australia.
If you’re considering moving to Australia or making a lifestyle change here, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Australia. While it varies from city to city, here's a rough idea of the monthly cost of living for one person in each location. A general guide is to budget $AUD 3,200 a month.
Things are changing in 2026 with the upcoming increase to healthcare and some updates to the solar panel incentive. If you're living as an expat or a local in Australia there are some things to consider your personal finance in Australia. Staying up to date with the current information and using your knowledge to look after your spending may help you to live in Australia without blowing your budget.
All information is verified as of 10/1/26 and is subject to change. Prices subject to change. Verify with official government sources.
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Arin Vale