Australia Cost of Living by City
Compare living costs across Australian cities and suburbs. See housing, food and transport price differences and calculate equivalent salary.
Adjusted amount shows what this budget goes as far in each city
| City | Cost Index | Adjusted Budget | vs Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney(baseline) | 100 | $4500.00 | +$0.00 |
| Melbourne | 94 | $4230.00 | -$270.00 |
| Brisbane(lowest) | 88 | $3960.00 | -$540.00 |
Cost Index by Category (Sydney = 100)
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Key Insights
Cheapest Cities:
Adelaide and Hobart offer the most affordable living costs, roughly 15-20% cheaper than Sydney overall
Most Expensive:
Darwin and Perth have higher costs due to remoteness and limited supply, particularly for groceries and utilities
Rent Variations:
Sydney and Canberra have the highest rental costs. Brisbane and Adelaide offer significantly cheaper accommodation
Budget Impact:
Moving from Sydney to Adelaide could stretch a monthly budget by 16-20%, depending on lifestyle
What's Included in Each Category
Rent
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in a typical suburb
Groceries
Basket of common grocery items (milk, bread, vegetables, etc.)
Transport
Public transport fares and fuel costs for vehicle owners
Utilities
Electricity, water, gas, internet for a typical household
Dining
Restaurant meals and takeaway food at typical venues
Important Notes:
- Indices are based on 2025 estimates and typical costs in each city
- Individual costs vary widely depending on lifestyle and location within city
- Rent varies significantly by suburb and apartment type
- Cost of living changes regularly - check current data for up-to-date figures
- Does not include healthcare, education, or childcare costs
- Index assumes Sydney baseline of 100
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