Cost of living in Canberra in 2026
🇦🇺 Australia · Capital
What it really costs to live in Canberra: rent, groceries, utilities, transport and a realistic monthly budget. Generate a free plan below with a budget tailored to your household.
Monthly costs in Canberra
Typical monthly figures shown in USD (local currency in parentheses). Ranges, not exact prices — reviewed July 2026. Always confirm current prices before you budget.
- 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
Cost index vs USA
85/ 100
USA = 100, excluding rent; Numbeo puts Australia close to the USA on day-to-day costs.
Income tax (Australia)
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 Canberra?
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 breakdown below — a one-bed typically runs $1,150–$1,620 in the centre. Generate a free plan above for a budget matched to your household and priorities.
How much is rent in Canberra?
A one-bedroom flat in the centre runs about $1,150–$1,620 a month (A$1,700–A$2,400); outside the centre it is roughly $880–$1,310. Rents vary sharply by district — always confirm current listings.
How current is this cost data?
These figures reflect July 2026 and are ranges, not exact prices. Every source is linked below. Always confirm current prices locally before you budget.