Cost of Living in Australia
Australia typically features a high cost of living, characterized by elevated housing prices in major coastal cities and relatively high consumer goods prices. However, these costs are often balanced by higher-than-average minimum wages and a high standard of living across most states.
Overview text is model-generated; see the note below.
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Monthly Cost Estimate
excluding rent
including 1-bedroom rent
Single person in Australia. Totals are the sum of the category ranges below (low ends added together, high ends added together), so a real budget usually falls somewhere in between.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Housing & Rent
$1,200 – $1,900
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centers versus suburban areas.
Food & Groceries
$450 – $650
Monthly grocery staples and occasional dining at mid-range restaurants.
Transportation
$110 – $180
Public transport passes and occasional fuel or rideshare costs.
Utilities
$160 – $250
Basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and high-speed internet.
Healthcare
$80 – $150
Private health insurance premiums and typical out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
$150 – $300
Gym memberships, cinema tickets, and social outings.
Build your own monthly budget
Starts at the midpoint of each estimate for Australia. Type your own amounts to see your total and annual figure. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Estimate: $1,200 – $1,900
Estimate: $450 – $650
Estimate: $110 – $180
Estimate: $160 – $250
Estimate: $80 – $150
Estimate: $150 – $300
Yearly: $2,790 × 12 = $33,480. Excludes taxes, debt payments, savings, childcare, education, car ownership and one-off costs such as deposits or moving.
New to ranges? Read how to turn these estimates into a personal budget.
Comfortable Living
Estimated monthly spending for a comfortable lifestyle in Australia, with regular dining out and leisure:
Including rent • Single person • Excludes income tax and savings • A separate model estimate, not derived from the category totals above
Frequently Asked Questions about Australia
The first answer is calculated from the figures on this page. The others are model-generated text; answers that quoted older dollar figures are hidden so they cannot contradict the totals above.