It is essential to calculate living costs when relocating to Australia. Working out price comparisons between countries with fluctuating currency exchanges can be challenging. The average cost of living in Australia is similar to New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Below is an estimate of costs when living in Australia.
Rental costs
Rental prices fluctuate tremendously depending on the property size, the type of facilities in certain areas, and where you are based in Australia. However, renting a property in Australia’s capital cities will always be expected to be more expensive than in regional areas. Typical rental costs for a one-to-two-bedroom apartment are approximately AUD $250 – $450. A three-bedroom apartment is AUD $500 to AUD $600 weekly. A two-bedroom home will cost around AUD $500 to $750 weekly, while a three-bedroom house costs AUD $800 to $1200 weekly.
Keep in mind that this is just a guide. Rental prices can change over time and vary depending on the suburb and specific property you are looking to rent. A good tip is to contact and talk to real estate agents in the areas you want to rent to better understand the current rental prices.
Public transport
Transport prices depend on where you are in Australia but are generally cheaper in South Africa and the UK. The average cost for a one-way ticket within a local area is AUD $4.50, whereas a monthly pass will be approximately AUD $157.28. Taking a taxi in the city starts at AUD $2.17 for every kilometre travelled. This will include whether you are waiting in traffic or stopped at a red light.
Petrol
The price of petrol has been fluctuating in the past year. From October 2022 to January 2023, the average value for petrol was AUD $1.70 per litre in Australia. Remember that petrol prices in cities are generally higher than in small, quiet areas. Most Australians prefer Korean, and Japanese-branded cars as they are cheaper to fuel than European cars.
Internet use/phone/electricity
Australia has several mobile network providers, with the four main mobile networks being Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG, and Boost Mobile. All companies offer SIM only, pre-paid and post-paid plans, and cover internet usage.
Getting quotes from several companies is recommended before deciding which one will suit you the best. Purchasing a plan from one of the leading networks is recommended to ensure you stay connected to the data and services wherever you go. Mobile coverage may not be available in Australia’s selected rural and wilderness areas.
In Australia, it is normal to have free Wi-Fi hotspots, which can be discovered in every main city.
Australia uses an electricity supply that runs at 230 volts (50hz). This is the same as in New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
Groceries
Groceries fluctuate in price depending on whether products are in season and where you are based in Australia. According to Canstar (2022), a one-person household would spend approximately AUD $104 per week on groceries. A two-person family household would spend AUD $144 weekly. Meanwhile, a three-person family household would spend AUD $178 per week (Canstar, 2022). A four-person household would pay AUD $203 weekly (Canstar, 2022).
Remember that the cost of living in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is higher, so costs for groceries will naturally increase.
Click on the link below to see the average grocery expenditure by the state in Australia.
Average Grocery Bill in Australia | Canstar
School fees for your children
Australia’s schooling fees are more expensive than what your hometown charges unless you come from the UK or New Zealand. If your child attends a state school, school fees will be free to an extent for citizens and permanent residents. The annual costs for a primary school will cost around AUD $600 to AUD $700. Generally, it covers uniforms, classroom equipment, notebooks, class trips, and camps.
School fees for children of visa holders
If you are a visa holder with dependent children enrolled in public schooling, you may have to pay for school tuition fees. You may be able to get an exemption for dependents of temporary visa holders depending on which state you reside in.
In New South Wales, visa holders pay AUD $5600 per year for primary and junior high school students and up to AUD $6400 per year for senior high students. If you reside in Queensland, a school fee of AUD $148 – AUD $370 is required for your children to attend a public school. The school fee in South Australia for primary school is AUD $5900 per year and AUD $7000 per year for high school. You will only be required to pay tuition fees if you or your children are on the 457 and 482 visas. Most students in Tasmania must pay school fees of up to AUD $7600 per year (prep to year 12). An annual fee of AUD $4000 is charged for Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) holders and Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders with dependent children in Western Australia. Temporary visa holders in Victoria can enrol their children as local students (Australian citizens or permanent residents). Click here to see the different regulations for each state.
Click on the link below to check whether your children will be exempt from public schooling fees.
Public Schooling Fees Exemption Checker
Last Update: July 2023
Private schooling costs more than AUD $10,000 per year for each child.
On average, childcare costs about AUD $70 – AUD $188 per day, depending on the hours of operation and care. Preschool costs around AUD $45 – AUD $80 per day, whereas a family day care costs only AUD $7.50 – AUD $16.50 per day, depending on the geographic location and the services they provide. For outside-of-school-hours care, a morning session costs approximately AUD $15 – AUD $30 per session, while an afternoon session costs roughly AUD $25 – AUD $45.
Private health insurance
The costs for the two types of private health insurance coverage (general treatment and hospital coverage) differ depending on the plan selected, your family group, and the state you reside in.
According to Canstar (2023), the average monthly cost of extras-only health insurance for an individual is approximately AUD $73 for lower coverage, AUD $87 for mid-level coverage and AUD $96 for a high level of coverage. The average monthly cost for hospital coverage for one person is approximately AUD $188 per month for those under 36 and AUD $288 per month for those aged 36 to 59.
For a family household of four to five people, it costs approximately AUD $513 – AUD $616 per month for both the extras-only and hospital coverage health insurance (Canstar, 2023).
Keep in mind that these calculations are average costs of policies across Australia and only provide a general guide of what costs may be for those looking for an estimate.
Keep in mind that this is optional and will not add to your living costs if you do not intend to get private health insurance.
Click here to view more about the Australia Healthcare System.
Last update: July 2023
Eating out
The expenditure on food is similar to the price of food in the UK or New Zealand. However, it is more expensive when compared to South Africa. A takeaway meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately AUD $22. At the same time, a fine dining meal for one individual will cost around AUD $102. For a regular cup of coffee, it would be about AUD $4.96. Many restaurants will have a small surcharge on public holidays on your bill.
Click on the link below to get an idea of the costs before you move to Australia. This link also helps filter which city you plan or will be moving to in Australia.
