Cost of Living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia depends on your lifestyle, but generally the price of food is comparable to the US and cheaper than in Europe or North America. Whilst petrol in Australia is relatively inexpensive, distances are vast, so travelling across the country can be a costly.
Australia has taken a significant plunge in the Mercer ranking following a dramatic depreciation in the currency against the US dollar. Sydney is still the most expensive city for expatriates but has dropped from 15th to 66th. Melbourne follows in 92nd, down from 36th.
Living in Australia generally does come at a premium if you consider the fairly substantial income tax rates ranging from 17% to 47%. The government’s strong emphasis on social welfare and benefits does have its downside for the taxpayer, but is a greater equaliser for its citizens.
Here follows a cost guide for Australia and its cities (adapted from www.tefl.com):
| Accommodation (monthly rent in good area) | |
| Furnished 2 bedroom house | AUD 1,100 |
| Unfurnished 2 bedroom house | AUD 1,080 |
| Furnished 2 bedroom apartment | AUD 1,250 |
| Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment | AUD 950 |
| Room in shared apartment | AUD 490 |
| Food and Drink | |
| Milk | AUD 3.50 |
| Cheese | AUD 6.00 |
| Dozen Eggs | AUD 4.50 |
| White Bread | AUD 3.50 |
| Rice | AUD 2.00 |
| White Sugar | AUD 2.50 |
| Coca Cola | AUD 4.00 |
| Still Mineral water | AUD 3.00 |
| Tomatoes | AUD 5.50 |
| Bananas | AUD 3.50 |
| Fresh beef filet | AUD 18.00 |
| Whole freshs chicken | AUD 8.50 |
| Fresh white fish | AUD 14.00 |
| Table salt | AUD 2.50 |
| Local can of beer | AUD 3.50 |
| Local table wine | AUD 12.00 |
| Imported pack of Cigarettes | AUD 12.00 |
| Household | |
| Laundry detergent | AUD 7.00 |
| Dishwashing liquid | AUD 4.00 |
| Soap | AUD 2.00 |
| Toothpaste | AUD 3.00 |
| Shampoo | AUD 5.00 |
| Deodorant | AUD 4.00 |
| Aspirin | AUD 7.00 |
| Utilities | |
| Telephone line (monthly rental) | AUD37.00 |
| Purchase of low cost cell phone | AUD 80.00 |
| Monthly energy costs apartment | AUD 60.00 |
| Eating Out, Entertainment & Health | |
| Three-course dinner in restaurant | AUD 55.00 |
| Fast-food meal | AUD 8.50 |
| Cup of coffee in bar/cafe | AUD 4.00 |
| Beer in bar | AUD 5.00 |
| Fitness club annual fee | AUD 440.00 |
| Private doctor consultation | AUD 55.00 |
| Public Transportation | |
| Taxi rate per km | AUD 3.00 |
| City centre bus fare | AUD 3.50 |
| Daily car hire | AUD 80.00 |
Cost of living in Australia estimator: www.australia-migration.com/page/Cost_of_Living_calculator/95
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