If you are inquiring about the cost of living in Australia, chances are you are moving there… Congrats!
Or, you may have seen the adorable animals Down Under and decided you needed their cuteness in your
Regardless of the cause, you are in for a bit of a shock. Australia, in case you were unaware, is not inexpensive! Like, by any measure. Okay, if you’re accustomed to living in Switzerland or Norway, it’s not that much of a shock, but if you’re not, hold on to your wallets. The Australians are coming for you!
But at least you’re here with me because we’ll get through this together. Isn’t it true that when you’re prepared for something, it’s less terrifying?
Prepare yourself: Australia’s cost of living is somewhat expensive, but you CAN live here on a budget (as much of a budget as possible when faced with paying $20 for a cocktail).
Where Do The Numbers For Australian Living Expenses Come From?
Consequently, you may wonder why you should trust me and/or where I obtain my information. Please note that the data presented below comes from a variety of reputable sources.
First, as you may be aware, I lived in Australia for one year, in two cities (Melbourne and Darwin), so I have an innate understanding of basic living expenses and what is included in Australian prices. For example, rent may include electricity and water, so I included that in my monthly living expenses for convenience.
In addition, because I have already conducted extensive research and endured the arduous process of determining which websites are credible and which are just blowing smoke, I used only reputable, legitimate websites such as numbeo.com and expatistan.com.
When quoting rent prices, I compute the average price to live in the listed city’s downtown as well as just outside the city limits. This estimate also assumes a home or apartment for one to two people. The cost of groceries is based on the assumption that you are attempting to save money by preparing the majority of your meals at home and do not plan to eat out frequently.
The amount listed for dining out is based on the assumption that you dine out a few times per month at a local restaurant.
The total cost is based on the assumption that you will use public transportation the majority of the time, if not all of the time.
These prices are more suitable for those who, like me, have a limited budget.
Moreover, it is essential to note that everyone spends differently. Therefore, these numbers are merely indicative of what you may need to budget for when considering the Australian cost of living.
If you eat out frequently, drink frequently, and choose to live in a high-rise instead of a small studio in Melbourne, you will experience a significantly higher cost of living in Australia.
Monthly Living Expenses in Sydney, Australia
Ah, Sydney. Obviously, we had to begin here. Sydney is typically the first Australian city that comes to mind, and for good reason. It is one of the world’s most diverse, thriving, exciting, green, and sustainable locales.
With a population of 5 million, this is the place to meet a wide range of people over a delicious meal of any kind accompanied by an exquisite cup of gourmet coffee.
Obviously, living costs in Australia are highest in this region. However, the pay is quite competitive.
A few miles away from beautiful nature, Sydney is where the city meets the beach. There is a reason why individuals wear sandals and say “no worries, mate.”
Average Sydney, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $2299.20
Milk per gallon is $5.55, bread is $2.56, and chicken per pound is $4.57.
$15 to $30 per person for dining out
Monthly Pass: $180; Gasoline: $5.11 per gallon
Fun: $20 movie ticket, $18 cocktail in a club, $4.30 cappuccino
Sydney has the highest monthly living costs in Australia, at $3000.

Cost of Living Monthly in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne offers the same diversity, excitement, culture, and laid-back waterfront city as Sydney, but at a significantly lower price. While Sydney is located on the East Coast, Melbourne is located to the southwest.
In a word, Melbourne is inhabitable.
In fact, it was the reason I stayed there for six months. I chose Melbourne because I knew I would experience city life without spending all of my hard-earned money. I actually saved money! Given the cost of living in Australia, it is difficult to do so.
Average Melbourne, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $1527.21
Milk per gallon is $4.93, bread is $2.46, and chicken breasts per pound are $4.45.
$15 to $30 per person for dining out
Monthly Pass: $147; Gasoline Gallon: $5.16
Fun: Movie Ticket $19, Cocktail $18, Cappuccino $4.23
$2100 is the average monthly cost of living in Melbourne, Australia.

Monthly Living Expenses in Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane! The large riverside city that serves as a gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. This sunny city on the Northeastern coast offers a little bit of everything at a relatively low price.
Many people adore this city because of its proximity to man-made beaches along the Brisbane river and to natural environments just minutes away from a concrete jungle.
Average Brisbane, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $1457.37
Milk per gallon is $4.95, bread is $2, and chicken breasts per pound are $4.53.
$17 to $30 per person, per meal
Pass Monthly: $150; Gallon of Gas: $5.24
Fun: Movie Ticket $14, Cocktail $16, Cappuccino $4.62
$1900 is the average monthly cost of living in Brisbane, Australia.

Monthly Living Expenses in Perth, Australia
Perth, located on Australia’s West Coast, is an isolated, tranquil city with a touch of metropolitan flavor. The beachfront is populated by suburbs. You can anticipate many backyard barbecues (barbecues) and sunny beach days, as well as very hot summers and milder winters than the majority of the world.
If you’re considering moving to Australia and want to settle down, but not necessarily on a farm in the middle of nowhere, you should head to Perth.
Average Perth, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $1320.75
Milk per gallon costs $6.16, bread costs $2.44, and chicken breasts cost $4.90 per pound.
$20 to $50 per person for dining out
Monthly Pass: $130; Gasoline Per Gallon: $4.99
Fun: Movie Ticket $18, Cocktail $18, Cappuccino $4.89
$1900 is the average monthly cost of living in Perth, Australia.

Cost of Living Monthly in Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide is, to put it succinctly, a large city with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Yep. All of that
The climate is ideal, the water is warm, the people are welcoming, and the cost of living in Adelaide is roughly half that of Sydney.
Fresh food, lively pubs, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of additional activities. What is not to admire? Adelaide residents have no answer to this question. The only disadvantage would be if you were looking for the fashionable high fashion of Sydney or Melbourne. That will not be available here. However, living in Adelaide will result in a lower monthly cost of living in Australia.
Average Adelaide, Australia Prices for…
Rent: $1310.32
Milk per gallon costs $5.20, bread costs $2.29, and chicken breasts cost $4.57 per pound.
$18 to $40 per person, per meal
Monthly Pass for $121, Gallon of Gas for $4.95
Fun: Movie Ticket $15, Cocktail $18, Cappuccino $4.78
$1900 is the average monthly cost of living in Adelaide, Australia.

Cost of Living Monthly in Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is the laid-back beach town with a hippy surfer vibe that many people envision when they consider moving to Australia. The sun is warm but not excessively so, as it can be in Perth, Western Australia. Here on the east coast, the climate is considerably milder and more relaxed.
Gold Coast is a beachside community that features farmer’s markets, brewpubs, cafes, and festivals
Average Gold Coast, Australia Prices for…
Rent: $1479.82
Milk per gallon costs $5.08, bread costs $1.94, and chicken breasts cost $4.58 per pound.
$15 to $35 per person, dining out
Monthly Pass: $70; Gasoline: $5.03 per gallon
Fun: Movie Ticket $16, Cocktail $17, Cappuccino $4.65
The average monthly cost of living in Gold Coast, Australia is $2000.

Cost of Living Monthly in Newcastle, Australia
Newcastle, once a steel and industrial shipping harbor two hours north of Sydney, is now a bustling city with a golden heart. Offering weekend markets, an art and cafe culture, and a growing number of independent retailers opening their doors, this area is on the radar of many Australians and immigrants alike as a potential new home.
You can spend the day at the harbor and the evening strolling along the beach. Then, grab a beer and return to your studio with a view of the ocean.
Average Newcastle, Australia Prices for…
Rent: $1403.60
Milk per gallon costs $5.44, bread costs $1.65, and chicken breasts cost $4.65 per pound.
Per-Person Eating Out: $23 to $45
Monthly Pass: $109; Gas Per Gallon: $5.26
Fun: Movie Ticket $13.50, Cocktail $12, Cappuccino $4.14
$1900 is the average monthly cost of living in Newcastle, Australia.
Cost of Living Monthly in Canberra, Australia
Obviously, I will not forget to mention Canberra, the national capital of Australia. Three hours south of Sydney and a couple hours north of Melbourne, Canberra makes up for its lack of big city life and breezy beaches with a bit of wilderness, a great deal of fresh air, and mountain ranges.
The prices in Canberra, Australia are fairly uniform, with the majority of items falling in the middle range. And in this city in the interior, you’ll find the same laid-back, open, and welcoming lifestyle prevalent throughout the country, but with a dash of bush and a dash of politics.
Average Canberra, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $1543.02
Milk per gallon is $4.73, bread is $2.19, and chicken breasts per pound are $4.78.
$16 to $40 per person, per meal
Monthly Pass for Transportation: $100; Gallon of Gas: $5.18
Fun: Movie Ticket $17, Cocktail $18, Cappuccino $4.35
The average monthly cost of living in Canberra, Australia is $2,050.

Cost of Living Monthly in Darwin, Australia
Another one of my regular haunts! In Darwin, I lived, loved, and worked. My boyfriend and I spent six months in this rural town far from any possibility of a large city. You would think that Melbourne and this small town would have different living expenses in Australia. What was that? They are not. Still, I enjoyed it for six months.
On the northern coast of the Timor Sea, just a hop away from Papua New Guinea, is a beautiful little town with rocky shores. You cannot swim in the crocodile-infested water, but you can admire it from the surrounding rocks.
Price Averages in Darwin, Australia for…
Rent: $1270.98
Milk per gallon is $6.06, bread is $1.90, and chicken breasts per pound are $4.08.
$22 to $40 per person, per meal
Monthly Pass: $80.00; Gallon of Gas: $5.29
Fun: Movie Ticket $19, Cocktail $14, Cappuccino $5.16
$1900 is the average monthly cost of living in Darwin, Australia.

Monthly Living Expenses in Sunshine Coast, Australia
Sunshine Coast, located just north of Gold Coast on the East Coast of Australia, is home to multiple beaches that have been ranked among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. This is the area to investigate all beach-related topics. Paddleboarding, swimming in tidal pools, and swimming laps in placid water.
Here, life is as laid-back and carefree as it can possibly be. This is what people envision and anticipate when they consider moving to Australia.
Average Sunshine Coast, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $960
Milk per gallon is $6.31, bread is $2.38, and chicken breasts per pound are $4.41.
Dining Out per Individual: $24 to $40
Transportation: No Monthly Passes Available; $5.18 per Gallon Gas
Fun: Movie Ticket $18, Cocktail $15, Cappuccino $4.68
$1600 is the average monthly cost of living in Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Cost of Living Monthly in Hobart, Australia
Hobart, Tasmania is a small town located on a small island off Australia’s coast. It is a magical land of sights, sounds, tastes, and textures. This is where the ocean, the sky, and the mountains all meet.
You can bike around town to see the art, drive 10 minutes to see the most incredible mountain architecture, or just hang out in a pub or cafe with the locals.
This is one of those mystical and ethereal locations where people go to take photographs for national travel magazines. Costs here continue to be affected by Australian prices. Except for the attractively low rent, everything is identical.
Average Hobart, Australia Costs for…
Rent: $1103
Milk per gallon is $4.19, bread is $2.04, and chicken breasts per pound are $5.17.
$17 to $50 per person, per meal
Monthly Pass is $40 and a Gallon of Gas is $5.09
Fun: Movie Ticket $19, Cocktail $14, Cappuccino $4.28
$1800 is the average monthly cost of living in Hobart, Australia.

Topic: Moving To Australia: The Price of Living Down Under (11 Cities)
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