Cost of Living Calculator
Take control of your finances in Australia with our cost of living calculator!
Australian Cost of Living Calculator
Enter item amounts in AUD. Set 'How Many Times' to reflect your usage. Totals will be shown monthly in your selected currency.
Australia offers an exceptional quality of life, world-class education, and stunning natural landscapes, but understanding the cost of living is essential for anyone planning to move here.
Table of Contents
1. Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense
Housing will likely be your largest recurring cost in Australia. Options vary widely in price and style:
- Home vs apartment/unit
- Private vs shared accommodation
- Student housing
- Furnished vs not
Location dramatically impacts prices. City centers, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, are very expensive, while suburban areas offer more affordable alternatives. Consider the trade-off between rent and transportation costs when choosing where to live.
Many people start with temporary accommodation while searching for permanent housing after arrival.
2. Food and Groceries
Australia is a wonderful location when it comes to accessing fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic nuts and premium quality meats. The flip side, of course, is the costs can add up quickly. For a single person, you can expect these costs:
- Grocery shopping: $80-150 AUD weekly (cooking at home)
- Eating out: $15-30 AUD per meal at casual restaurants
Money-saving strategies:
- Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi or IGA. There are often less-known brand item available, which sometimes actually end up being better than the big brands!
- Visit local & farmers’ markets, however do note that sometimes organic produce can be more expensive than what’s offered in supermarkets.
- Take advantage of loyalty programs, such as the Woolworths Everyday Rewards or Coles Flybuys, which regularly offer extra discounts and money off your shopping.
3. Transportation
Public transport in Australia can be a hit-and-miss, very much depending on where you live. Transport options in major cities tend to be more frequent and reliable, while suburban and more rural options are closer to nonexistent. Here are the main transportation options you’ve got:
- Car ownership: the most reliable option, however when factoring in monthly repayments, insurance, maintenance and fuel, it’s the most costly option.
- Public tansport: Fairly affordable with monthly passes and concessions available (granted you live in or near a major city).
- Bicycle/Scooter: An increasingly popular mode of transport, electric scooters can be seen in all major cities and cycling/scooter infrastructre tends to be very well maintained.
Consider your daily commute when choosing accommodation—living further from your workplace or school might offer cheaper rent but increase transportation costs and commute time, and vice versa.
To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to spend on transport, we’ve created a separate transportation cost calculator that you can find here.
4. Utilities & Internet
Essential services add to your monthly expenses. Some housing options might include utilities or wifi in the rental price, however this is rather an exception than a rule. Here are the major utilities to factor into your budget:
- Electricity & Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Mobile plan
- Streaming services (optional but good to factor in)
It’s always a good idea to shop around before signing up for any utilities, as this decision can either save or cost you a lot of money down the line. While choosing your own utility company isn’t always possible (for example in most apartments/units), do whatever you can! The same goes for internet and phone plans.
5. Healthcare & Insurance
Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare. As a visa holder, however, you will have to get private health insurance for the duration of your visa.
The type of cover you’ll need and the associated costs will depend mainly on your visa type, but here are some of the more important aspects of insurance to consider:
- Hospital cover
- Dental cover
- Prescription medications
In most circumstances the above are extra services, so it’s only up to you to decide how much cover you want to have.
6. Entertainment & Social Life
After saving on your grocery shopping and transport, it’s time to budget for some fun, too! Think things like:
- Movies
- Gym membership
- Travel
- Cultural experiences
- Shopping – new clothes or shoes
Taking advantage of free city events, beaches, parks, and hiking trails can also make your Australian experience amazing without extra costs.
