Australia
Cost of Living in Australia
Last updated on Jan 01, 2023
Summary: The cost of living in Australia is generally quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Australia can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Australia is usually around $20 to $30 USD per person.
Is the cost of living in Australia high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Australia, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the city and the lifestyle of the individual. Generally, living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport are comparable with those in other major cities in the world. The cost of utilities, such as electricity and water, may be higher than in some other countries. Taxes on purchasing goods and services, including GST and luxury taxes, also contribute to the overall cost of living. Groceries, entertainment, and healthcare costs are relatively moderate compared to other affluent countries," remarked one in Australia.
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Will I save money living in Australia?
"The cost of living in Australia can be significantly lower than in the United States, depending where you live in either country. Certain items such as groceries, entertainment and travel can be cheaper in Australia than in the US, and the cost of rent and housing can also be cheaper. On average, the cost of living in Australia is generally lower than in the US. Consequently, people living in Australia can usually save money when compared to individuals living in the United States," said one expat in Australia.
What is the average cost of housing in Australia?
If you are thinking about moving to Australia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The housing costs here are very high. We came from California where housing costs are outrageous. The cost of our 2 BR, 2 Bath apartment is just slightly lower than an equivalent apartment in our area of CA, which is north of San Francisco," said one person in Sydney.
"See above. Average rental cost in the area that I live in is approximately $450AU per week. (Rental costs are always quoted on a per week basis, making it a bit difficult to work out your monthly budget.)," remarked one expat in Sydney.
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What are typical rental prices for expats in Australia?
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Australia typically ranges from around $1500 to $2800 per month, depending on the neighbourhood and amenities. A nice 2 bedroom apartment in Australia typically costs between $2100 and $3700 per month, again depending on the area and additional features," mentioned one expat in Australia.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Australia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"In Australia, a typical rental property will usually come with a refrigerator, stove (or oven/cooktop), washing machine, and sometimes additional appliances like a microwave, dishwasher, and/or clothes dryer. Furthermore, some rental agreements may also include furniture and basic home appliances, such as a television and DVD player. Additionally, outdoor equipment may be provided, like a BBQ, mower, and gardening tools," said one expat.
About the Author
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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