Cost of living in Australia in 2026
What it really costs to live in Australia: rent, groceries, utilities, transport and a realistic monthly budget. Generate a free plan below with a budget tailored to your city and household.
A Big Mac costs about $5.69 and the average advertised salary is around A$107,005 a year.
Planning the move itself? See the Australia relocation guide.
Australia costs at a glance
Country-wide indicators, each with its source. City-level figures below where available.
Big Mac price
$5.69
The Economist, January 2026
Inflation (annual)
2.9%
World Bank 2025
Avg advertised salary
A$107,005 / yr
Adzuna, June 2026
Employment taxes (tax wedge)
28%
OECD 2025
Currency
AUD
ISO 4217
Monthly costs in Australia
Typical monthly figures shown in USD (local currency in parentheses). Ranges, not exact prices — reviewed July 2026. Always confirm current prices before you budget.
Canberra
Capital- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,150–$1,620(A$1,700–A$2,400)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $880–$1,310(A$1,300–A$1,900)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $1,750–$2,560(A$2,600–A$3,800)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $100–$155(A$150–A$230)
- Home internet
- $47–$68(A$70–A$100)
- Mobile plan
- $27–$48(A$40–A$70)
- Groceries · one adult
- $270–$375(A$400–A$550)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $14–$19(A$20–A$28)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $61–$95(A$90–A$140)
- Monthly transit pass
- $81–$108(A$120–A$160)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$610–$880
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$2,100–$2,720
Sydney
Major city- Rent · 1-bed, city centre
- $1,480–$2,150(A$2,200–A$3,200)
- Rent · 1-bed, outside centre
- $1,150–$1,680(A$1,700–A$2,500)
- Rent · 3-bed, city centre
- $2,290–$3,230(A$3,400–A$4,800)
- Utilities (electric, water, gas)
- $115–$175(A$170–A$260)
- Home internet
- $47–$75(A$70–A$110)
- Mobile plan
- $30–$51(A$45–A$75)
- Groceries · one adult
- $290–$410(A$430–A$600)
- Meal · inexpensive restaurant
- $15–$20(A$22–A$30)
- Dinner for two · mid-range
- $68–$102(A$100–A$150)
- Monthly transit pass
- $94–$128(A$140–A$190)
Living costs · single (excl. rent)
$640–$950
Living costs · family of four (excl. rent)
$2,220–$2,960
Cost index vs USA
85/ 100
USA = 100, excluding rent; Numbeo puts Australia close to the USA on day-to-day costs.
Income tax
Progressive income tax roughly 19–45% plus Medicare levy; residents taxed on worldwide income.
VAT / GST
10%
GST at 10% on most goods and services.
- Sydney and Melbourne are much dearer on rent; Canberra and Adelaide give a more balanced budget.
- Groceries and eating out are expensive, especially in central areas; home cooking is the main saving.
- Private insurance is used for access to certain services and to cut public-system waits.
- Long distances and needing a car outside big cities raise the overall budget.
Sources: Numbeo Cost of Living Australia · Expatistan — Cost of Living in Sydney · PwC Australia — Personal Income Tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to live in Australia?
In Canberra, expect roughly $610–$880 a month in living costs for a single person, and about $2,100–$2,720 for a family of four, excluding rent (July 2026). Add rent from the table below — a one-bed typically runs $1,150–$1,620 in the centre. Costs vary by district, so generate a free plan above for a budget matched to your exact city, household and priorities.
What is the inflation rate in Australia?
Annual inflation was about 2.9% (World Bank 2025). High or volatile inflation can change rents and grocery prices quickly, so treat older figures with caution.
What is the average salary in Australia?
The average advertised salary is about A$107,005 a year (Adzuna job listings, June 2026). Advertised salaries skew toward roles posted online, so treat this as a signal, not a guarantee.
How current is this cost data?
Prices and taxes were refreshed 7 July 2026; inflation and the Big Mac index 12 July 2026. Every figure on this page shows its source. Always confirm current prices locally before you budget.