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Cost of Living in Coffs Harbour

Understanding the the cost of living in Coffs Harbour helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Apartment Rentals The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Coffs Harbour is $320 per week. For a two-bedroom apartment, the median rent is $400 per week.
Apartment Purchases The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in Coffs Harbour is $320,000. For a two-bedroom apartment, the median price is $400,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Coffs Harbour is $2.50 for a single trip. A monthly pass costs $50.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Coffs Harbour is $150 per week for a family of four.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Coffs Harbour is $20 per person.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Coffs Harbour is $200 per month. This includes electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Coffs Harbour is $2,000 per year. For elementary school, the average cost is $4,000 per year. For middle school, the average cost is $6,000 per year. For high school, the average cost is $8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Coffs Harbour

“The cost of living in Coffs Harbour is considered to be relatively moderate compared to other Australian cities. Housing is more affordable than in larger cities like Sydney or Melbourne, with the cost of renting or buying a home being significantly lower. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage services are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Coffs Harbour are priced similarly to the rest of Australia, with fresh produce and meat being slightly cheaper due to the region’s agricultural industry. Eating out at restaurants or getting takeaway food is also relatively affordable, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets. Transportation costs in Coffs Harbour are also lower than in larger cities. Many residents choose to drive, with the cost of petrol being comparable to the national average. Public transportation is also available and is reasonably priced. Healthcare in Coffs Harbour is a mix of public and private providers. The cost can vary depending on whether you have private health insurance or rely on the public system. Overall, while the cost of living in Coffs Harbour is not the cheapest in Australia, it is significantly more affordable than in larger cities, making it an attractive place to live for many people,” said one expat living in Coffs Harbour.

Can I live in Coffs Harbour on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Coffs Harbour 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. First, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. I’d recommend looking for a share house or a small apartment in neighborhoods like Toormina, Boambee East, or Coffs Harbour Jetty. These areas are generally more affordable than the more expensive neighborhoods like Sapphire Beach or Korora.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like ALDI and cooking at home can help you save a lot. Eating out can be quite expensive in Coffs Harbour, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for cheaper options like cafes and takeaway shops.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transport or cycling instead of owning a car. The bus system in Coffs Harbour is decent, and there are some good cycling paths around the city. If you do need a car, try to find a fuel-efficient one and carpool whenever possible.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you’ll need to be selective. Going to the movies, for example, can be quite expensive, so consider streaming services or renting DVDs instead. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in Coffs Harbour, like going to the beach, hiking in the nearby national parks, or attending community events.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Coffs Harbour is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable accommodation, being smart with your grocery shopping, and finding low-cost or free activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Coffs Harbour.

Can I live in Coffs Harbour on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Coffs Harbour for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. First, you’ll want to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas like Sapphire Beach or Korora might be out of your budget, so I’d recommend looking into neighborhoods like Toormina, Boambee East, or West Coffs. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably need to rent a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities and internet can be a bit pricey, so make sure to factor that into your budget as well. As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to fuel and maintenance costs, so you might want to consider using public transport or even cycling if you’re able to.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Coffs Harbour, so you’ll want to cook at home more often and limit dining out to special occasions. Groceries can be affordable if you shop at places like ALDI or Woolworths, and make sure to take advantage of sales and discounts.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you’ll need to be selective about what you choose to do. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in the area, like hiking in the national parks, visiting the beaches, or attending local events and festivals. You might need to cut back on more expensive hobbies or memberships, like gym memberships or golf club fees.Overall, living in Coffs Harbour on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. But with the beautiful surroundings and laid-back lifestyle, it’s definitely worth it in my opinion,” said one expat living in Coffs Harbour.

Can I live in Coffs Harbour on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Coffs Harbour for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a house in the most expensive neighborhoods, like Sapphire Beach or Korora, where the rent can be quite high. Instead, you could consider more affordable areas like Toormina, Boambee East, or Coffs Harbour Jetty, where you can still find nice houses or apartments at a more reasonable price.In terms of transportation, owning a car might be a bit expensive, considering the cost of petrol, insurance, and maintenance. So, you might want to rely on public transportation, which is quite good in Coffs Harbour, or even consider cycling or walking if you live close to your workplace.When it comes to entertainment and dining out, you might have to cut back a bit on expensive restaurants and opt for more affordable options. There are plenty of great cafes and eateries in Coffs Harbour that won’t break the bank. You could also take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or picnicking at the beach, which are all free or low-cost.Groceries can be a bit pricey in Australia, so you might want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or look for sales and specials at Coles or Woolworths. You could also consider buying fresh produce from local farmers’ markets, which can be more affordable and better quality than what you find in the supermarkets.Overall, living in Coffs Harbour on $5,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It’s a beautiful place to live, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here,” commented an expat living in Coffs Harbour.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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