| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Centre) | AUD 1,800 – AUD 2,200 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) | AUD 1,400 – AUD 1,700 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) | AUD 5,000 – AUD 8,000 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) | AUD 3,500 – AUD 5,500 per square meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | AUD 90 – AUD 120 |
| Transportation (Gasoline, 1 liter) | AUD 1.40 – AUD 1.60 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | AUD 1.20 – AUD 1.60 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | AUD 2.00 – AUD 3.00 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | AUD 2.50 – AUD 3.50 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | AUD 9.00 – AUD 12.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | AUD 80 – AUD 120 |
| Restaurants (Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter draught) | AUD 7.00 – AUD 9.00 |
| Utilities (Monthly for 85m2 Apartment) | AUD 150 – AUD 200 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private) | AUD 15,000 – AUD 20,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Primary School, Private) | AUD 10,000 – AUD 15,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School, Private) | AUD 15,000 – AUD 20,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School, Private) | AUD 20,000 – AUD 30,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Canberra
“The cost of living in Canberra is considered to be relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Housing is the biggest expense, with both rent and property prices being quite steep. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage are also quite expensive. The cost of food and groceries in Canberra is also high, with residents spending a significant portion of their income on this necessity. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly, especially at mid-range to high-end establishments. Transportation costs in Canberra can add up, especially if you own a car, with petrol prices, insurance, and maintenance costs to consider. Public transportation is a cheaper alternative, but still comes with its own costs. Healthcare in Canberra is a mix of public and private providers, and while the public system is subsidized, private healthcare can be quite expensive. Education, if you have children, can also be a significant expense, especially for private schooling. Despite the high cost of living, Canberra offers a high quality of life with access to excellent amenities, services, and recreational activities. It’s important to note that salaries in Canberra are also generally higher than the national average, which can help offset the high cost of living,” said one expat living in Canberra.
Can I live in Canberra on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Canberra for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month would be quite a challenge, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. Canberra is one of the more expensive cities in Australia, with the cost of living being quite high. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you’re looking at around $1,700 per month. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in suburbs like Belconnen or Tuggeranong, you might be able to find something for around $1,200 to $1,300. But that’s still going to eat up most of your budget. Then you have to consider utilities, which can run you around $200 a month, and groceries, which will be around $300 a month. Public transportation is pretty good here, so you could potentially save money by not having a car. A monthly transport pass is around $90. But even with that, you’re already over your $1,500 budget. If you’re really set on living in Canberra, you might have to make some sacrifices. Maybe consider getting a roommate to split the cost of rent and utilities. You could also try to cut back on eating out and entertainment, as those can add up quickly. As for neighborhoods, I’d recommend looking in the northern suburbs like Gungahlin or Belconnen. They’re a bit cheaper and still have good access to the city. I’d avoid the inner south like Kingston and Manuka, as those are some of the most expensive areas in Canberra. In the end, it’s not impossible to live in Canberra on $1,500 a month, but it would definitely require some careful budgeting and potentially some lifestyle changes,” commented an expat living in Canberra.
Can I live in Canberra on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Canberra 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 in Canberra is quite high compared to other Australian cities. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider areas like Belconnen or Tuggeranong. They’re a bit further out from the city center, but you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $350 to $400 a week. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Kingston, Braddon, or the city center are more expensive, with rents often exceeding $500 a week. Groceries are another significant expense. Shopping at cheaper supermarkets like Aldi can help keep costs down. Eating out can be pricey, so you might have to limit how often you do that. Public transportation is pretty good in Canberra, so you might not need a car, which can save you a lot on expenses like petrol, insurance, and maintenance. Utilities like electricity and internet can also add up. You might have to be mindful of your usage, especially in winter when heating costs can skyrocket. Health insurance is another cost to consider. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you’ll need to budget for private health insurance. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Canberra. There are beautiful parks and nature reserves for hiking and picnicking, and many museums and galleries offer free admission. In conclusion, living on $3,000 a month in Canberra is possible, but it will require careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You’ll likely need to live in a more affordable neighborhood, limit eating out, and be mindful of your utility usage. But with some planning and discipline, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Canberra.
Can I live in Canberra on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Canberra for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some budgeting and careful planning. The cost of living in Canberra is quite high compared to other Australian cities, but it’s not impossible to live comfortably on that budget. Firstly, housing will be your biggest expense. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $1,800 per month, but you can find cheaper options in the suburbs. For example, in suburbs like Belconnen or Tuggeranong, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for around $1,200 to $1,500 per month. These areas are a bit further from the city centre, but they are still well-connected by public transport and have all the necessary amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and parks. On the other hand, suburbs like Kingston, Braddon or Barton are quite expensive and I would not recommend them if you’re trying to stick to a $5,000 monthly budget. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can easily cost you over $2,000 per month. After housing, your next biggest expense will probably be groceries. On average, you can expect to spend around $100 per week on groceries, but this can vary depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be quite expensive in Canberra, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $20. So, it’s a good idea to cook at home as much as possible. Transportation is another cost to consider. If you’re living in the city centre, you can get by without a car as public transport is quite good and most places are within walking or cycling distance. A monthly transport pass costs around $90. However, if you’re living in the suburbs, you might need a car, which will add to your expenses. Other expenses to consider are utilities, which can cost around $200 per month, and internet, which is around $70 per month. So, to sum up, living on $5,000 a month in Canberra is possible, but it will require some sacrifices. You might have to live in a cheaper suburb and cut back on eating out or other discretionary spending. But overall, Canberra is a great city to live in with a high quality of life, so I think it’s worth it,” commented an expat living in Canberra.
