| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | The cost of renting an apartment in Sunshine Coast varies depending on the location and size of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around AUD 1,500 per month, while the same outside the city center costs around AUD 1,200. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around AUD 2,500 per month, while the same outside the city center costs around AUD 2,000. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of apartments in Sunshine Coast also varies greatly. On average, the price per square meter in the city center is around AUD 5,000, while the same outside the city center is around AUD 3,500. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Sunshine Coast is relatively affordable. A monthly pass costs around AUD 100. If you prefer to drive, the average gasoline price is around AUD 1.5 per liter. Taxis start at around AUD 4, with an average fare of AUD 2 per kilometer. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Sunshine Coast is reasonable. For example, a liter of milk costs around AUD 1.5, a loaf of bread costs around AUD 2.5, a dozen eggs cost around AUD 4, and a kilogram of local cheese costs around AUD 10. Fruits and vegetables are also reasonably priced, with a kilogram of apples or oranges costing around AUD 3-4, and a kilogram of potatoes or onions costing around AUD 2-3. |
| Restaurants | Eating out in Sunshine Coast can be quite affordable or quite expensive, depending on where you choose to eat. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around AUD 20, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around AUD 80. A regular cappuccino costs around AUD 4.5. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around AUD 200 per month. Internet costs around AUD 70 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition varies greatly in Sunshine Coast. On average, annual tuition for preschool costs around AUD 10,000, for elementary school around AUD 15,000, for middle school around AUD 20,000, and for high school around AUD 25,000. Please note that these are average costs and the actual cost can vary greatly depending on the school. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sunshine Coast
“The cost of living in Sunshine Coast is considered to be relatively high compared to other regions in the country. Housing is one of the biggest expenses, with the cost of renting or buying a property being quite high. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are also quite expensive. Groceries and food costs are also significant, with prices for fresh produce, meat, and dairy products being higher than in other parts of Australia. Eating out at restaurants or cafes can also be quite costly. Transportation costs can vary depending on the mode of transport used. Public transport fares are relatively affordable, but owning and maintaining a car can be expensive due to high petrol prices and maintenance costs. Healthcare is another major expense, with both public and private healthcare services being quite costly. Education costs can also be high, especially for private schools and universities. Despite these high costs, the Sunshine Coast offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a relaxed lifestyle, which many residents believe offsets the high cost of living,” said one expat living in Sunshine Coast.
Can I live in Sunshine Coast on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sunshine Coast for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it would require some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other parts of Australia. For instance, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $1,200 per month. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in areas like Nambour or Caloundra, you could find something cheaper, maybe around $800-$900 per month. But remember, the further out you go, the more you’ll have to spend on transportation. Groceries are another big expense. On average, you might spend around $300-$400 per month. You can save some money by shopping at cheaper supermarkets like ALDI, or by buying in bulk at Costco. Eating out can be expensive, so you might have to limit that to once or twice a month. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, and internet, can cost around $200 per month. You can save on electricity by being mindful of your usage, like turning off lights when you’re not in the room, and not using the air conditioner unless absolutely necessary. As for transportation, if you live in the city center, you can get by without a car by using public transportation, which costs around $100 per month. If you live further out, you might need a car, which would add to your expenses. Healthcare is another expense to consider. Australia has a good healthcare system, but there are still out-of-pocket costs. You might spend around $50-$100 per month on healthcare, depending on your needs. In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend avoiding areas like Noosa and Mooloolaba, as they are quite expensive. Instead, consider more affordable areas like Maroochydore or Buderim. So, to live on $1,500 a month, you would have to make some sacrifices. You might have to live in a smaller apartment or in a less desirable area, limit your eating out, be mindful of your utility usage, and possibly get by without a car. But it’s definitely possible if you’re willing to make these sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Sunshine Coast.
Can I live in Sunshine Coast on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sunshine Coast for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is doable, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other parts of Australia, but it’s not impossible to live comfortably if you’re smart about your spending. Firstly, housing will be your biggest expense. The more desirable neighborhoods like Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba, and Alexandra Headland can be quite pricey. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can easily cost you over $1,500 a month. However, there are more affordable options in areas like Nambour, Buderim, and Maroochydore where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. Groceries are another significant expense. On average, you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries. Eating out can be expensive, so cooking at home as much as possible can help you save. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you own a car. Petrol, insurance, and maintenance can easily cost you a few hundred dollars a month. Public transportation is a cheaper option, but it’s not as convenient. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet can cost around $200 to $300 a month. You can save on these costs by being mindful of your usage. Lastly, you’ll need to budget for personal expenses like entertainment, health insurance, and personal care. These costs can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, but you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars a month. In conclusion, living on $3,000 a month in Sunshine Coast is possible, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You’ll need to live in a more affordable neighborhood, cook at home as much as possible, be mindful of your utility usage, and limit your personal expenses. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely doable,” said one expat living in Sunshine Coast.
Can I live in Sunshine Coast on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sunshine Coast 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. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most expensive neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The Sunshine Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and laid-back lifestyle. It’s less expensive than major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but it’s not exactly cheap either. The cost of living can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider places like Nambour or Landsborough. These areas are a bit further from the beach, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba, and Alexandra Headland are more expensive. These areas are closer to the beach and have a higher cost of living. A 2-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost you anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 a month. As for other expenses, groceries can cost you around $500 a month if you cook at home most of the time. Utilities, including internet, can cost around $200 a month. Public transportation is pretty good here and a monthly pass costs around $100. If you have a car, petrol can cost you around $150 a month. So, if you budget wisely, you can live comfortably on $5,000 a month. You might not be able to splurge on luxury items or experiences, but you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and laid-back lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast has to offer,” commented an expat living in Sunshine Coast.
