Cost of Living in Australia


Find out more about living costs 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

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