How Much Do Things Cost in Australia
With its great weather, cosmopolitan cities, diverse natural landscapes and relaxed lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Australia remains a top pick for travelers as well as many foreigners who move there.
If you have ever wondered how much things cost in Australia, keep in mind that Australia currently has the 12th highest cost of living in the world, with the USA and UK behind at 21 and 23rd place respectively. The overall cost of living in Australia is 9% higher than the USA, but 10% cheaper than London. Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city. Read on to learn a little about how much things cost in Australia, this is just a guide and we couldn’t include the cost of absolutely everything; here are some key things you might want to know about….
Where to live in Australia
Sydney and Melbourne are popular choices for moving to Australia.
Sydney is one of the world’s most livable cities. Sydney has excellent weather, beautiful beaches and an outdoor lifestyle. Melbourne is cosmopolitan with a thriving restaurant and arts scene.
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are appealing options for many people, where the cost of living is much lower.
How much does housing cost in Australia?
Sydney is a the top of the list with a median price of a house at $909,914, while the average price in Melbourne is $810,966 for a house. If you don’t necessarily want or need to live in one of these big cities, consider living in one of the smaller cities, where the prices are more affordable. In Adelaide, for instance, a median house price is around $455,094, in Perth this would be a median of $484,252 for a house. Hobart is the most affordable of the capital cities, where the average price for a house is $403,174.
Shopping around will get a decent deal on utilities, but basics, including power, gas and internet for a standard two bedroom apartment will come to about $350 a month.
Travel and commuting in Australia
Public transport in the cities is pretty good. Compared to cities like London and New York, Australian public transport is reasonably priced with the capital cities making up 6 of the 10 most affordable places for public transport. While New York might have significantly cheaper single trip tickets than Sydney or London, Australia’s public transport system will give you more miles for less.
Health and fitness
Australia has an excellent healthcare system. Permanent residents have access to Medicare, which you pay for through the tax system. Many Australians take out private health insurance to cover extras, like dental and specialist care.
The amount you have to pay for private health insurance depends on where you live and what coverage want. It could be as little as $43 per month, or as much as $1,150 per month, on average people pay for additional private health insurance about $2,000 per year. Expats from New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom are entitled to treatment through Medicare thanks to reciprocal health agreements between countries.
Gym memberships average $65 a month. Many Australians take advantage of the outdoor weather with outdoor personal trainers and group sessions. Walking, running and cycling are some of the most popular fitness techniques Down Under, more so than swimming.
Eating in… and out
Groceries can be expensive in Australia than many other major cities around the world.
Two movie tickets in Sydney will cost you $39, this is about $8 more expensive than if you saw the same film in New York. You might pay more for many things in Australia, but you earn can more too.
Salaries in Australia are much higher. It is estimated that Australians earn over 25% more than their British counterparts. Australia’s minimum wage is AU$17.70 per hour compared to AU$14.66 for the United Kingdom and AU$10.08 for the USA.
Food
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Sydney will cost upwards of $70; this same meal will cost about $80 in New York or London. On average expect to pay $10 for a Big Mac Meal, $7 for a beer and $3.50 for a coffee. 1 pint of beer will range $4 – $8 USD. Gallon of milk is about $4 USD, a dozen eggs is around $3.50 USD.
It is easy to see how the quality of life, sunshine and months of beach weather, makes Australia a dream destination for travelers around the world.
NOTE: Keep in mind this is just a guide and not all prices may be accurate, as prices can change according to the economy, time of year and other factors.
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