Oceania Updated
Average Cost of Living in Australia
The average cost of living in Australia ranges from $1,956 per month in Brisbane to $2,449 per month in Sydney, with a median monthly basket of $2,060 for a single person. We track 7 cities in Australia.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Australia at a glance | Headline numbers across 7 cities. |
| Cities in Australia | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Australia | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
7
Median monthly · single
$2,060
Average cost index
48.1
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Sydney /
Brisbane
Browse cities
7 cities shown
About cost of living in Australia
- How expensive is Australia?
- Australia has 7 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Brisbane is among the most affordable, while Sydney ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Australia?
- Budget anywhere from $1,956 per month in Brisbane (the cheapest tracked city) to $2,449 per month in Sydney (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Australia?
- Brisbane typically offers the lowest cost of living in Australia, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Australia has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Australia up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.