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Cost of Living in Airlie Beach

If you're moving to Airlie Beach, understanding the the cost of living in Airlie Beach helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Cost of Living Airlie Beach
Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Airlie Beach is around $1,000 per month. Two-bedroom apartments cost around $1,400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Airlie Beach is around $400,000. Two-bedroom apartments cost around $500,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Airlie Beach is limited. A monthly bus pass costs around $50. Taxis are available and the cost of a one-way trip is around $20.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Airlie Beach is comparable to other cities in Australia. A week’s worth of groceries for a family of four costs around $200.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Airlie Beach is comparable to other cities in Australia. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $60.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Airlie Beach is comparable to other cities in Australia. The average monthly cost for electricity, gas, water, and garbage is around $200.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Airlie Beach is comparable to other cities in Australia. Preschool tuition costs around $2,000 per year, elementary school tuition costs around $4,000 per year, middle school tuition costs around $6,000 per year, and high school tuition costs around $8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Airlie Beach

“The cost of living in Airlie Beach is considered to be relatively high compared to other parts of the country. This is largely due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its remote location. Housing is one of the biggest expenses, with both rental and purchase prices being quite high. Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are also more expensive than the national average.Groceries and food costs are also above average, due to the cost of transporting goods to the area. Eating out at restaurants and cafes can also be quite pricey, especially in the more tourist-oriented establishments. Transportation costs can vary, depending on whether you own a vehicle or rely on public transport. Owning a car can be expensive, with high costs for petrol and maintenance. Public transport is available but can be limited and less frequent than in larger cities.Healthcare costs are comparable to the rest of Australia, with a mix of public and private services available. However, it’s worth noting that more complex medical procedures may require travel to larger cities, adding to the overall cost.Despite the high cost of living, many people are drawn to Airlie Beach for its beautiful scenery, relaxed lifestyle, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef,” said one expat living in Airlie Beach.

Can I live in Airlie Beach on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Airlie Beach for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other places in Australia, mainly because it’s a popular tourist destination. Firstly, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. I’d recommend looking for a shared house or apartment in the Cannonvale area, which is a bit more affordable than the central Airlie Beach area. You can find rooms for around $600-$800 per month, but you’ll have to be quick as they get snapped up pretty fast. Avoid the central Airlie Beach area, as it’s more expensive and mainly caters to tourists.Next, you’ll need to budget for groceries and other essentials. Shopping at local supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles can help you save money, but you’ll still need to be mindful of your spending. I’d recommend setting aside around $400-$500 per month for groceries and other household items.Transportation is another expense you’ll need to consider. If you have a car, petrol prices can be quite high in Airlie Beach. Alternatively, you can rely on public transport, which is relatively affordable, but the service is limited. I’d recommend budgeting around $100-$150 per month for transportation.As for entertainment and socializing, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Going out for dinner or drinks can be quite expensive in Airlie Beach, so you might need to limit your nights out or look for cheaper options like happy hours or meal deals. I’d recommend setting aside around $200-$300 per month for entertainment and socializing.Lastly, you’ll need to budget for any unexpected expenses or emergencies. It’s always a good idea to have some savings set aside, just in case. I’d recommend setting aside around $100-$200 per month for this purpose.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Airlie Beach is possible, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable accommodation, being mindful of your grocery and transportation expenses, and limiting your entertainment and socializing, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Airlie Beach.

Can I live in Airlie Beach on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Airlie Beach for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is a bit higher than in other parts of Australia, mainly due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Firstly, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. I’d recommend looking for a place in Cannonvale or Jubilee Pocket, as these areas tend to have more reasonably priced rentals compared to the central Airlie Beach area. You can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,500 per month for a decent two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods. When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles and cooking at home will help you save money. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the touristy areas, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for more budget-friendly options.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transport or getting a bicycle to get around. If you need a car, consider buying a used one to save on expenses. As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Airlie Beach. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes in the surrounding national parks, or take advantage of the many free community events that take place throughout the year. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to, like eating out frequently or having a brand-new car. You’ll also need to be more conscious of your spending and stick to a budget. But overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Airlie Beach if you’re willing to make some adjustments to your lifestyle,” said one expat living in Airlie Beach.

Can I live in Airlie Beach on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Airlie Beach for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to consider the area you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Cannonvale and Shute Harbour, might be out of your budget if you’re looking to save money. Instead, I’d recommend looking into more affordable areas like Jubilee Pocket or even some parts of Airlie Beach itself. These areas still offer a great lifestyle and are close to all the amenities you’ll need.When it comes to housing, you might have to compromise on the size or type of property you rent. A smaller apartment or townhouse might be more affordable than a larger house with a yard. However, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as there are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces in Airlie Beach where you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in Airlie Beach, eating out regularly can quickly add up. Instead, consider cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. You can still enjoy the occasional night out, but being mindful of your spending will help you stay within your budget.Finally, you might need to be more conscious of your transportation costs. While Airlie Beach is a relatively small town, getting around can still be expensive if you’re relying on taxis or rideshare services. Consider using public transport, walking, or cycling whenever possible to save money.Overall, living in Airlie Beach on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and being conscious of your transportation costs, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful coastal town,” commented an expat living in Airlie Beach.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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