Cost of Living in Australia

RESTAURANTS

If you want to enjoy yourself in Australia, you should think about visiting and dining in any of its restaurants.

The prices are reasonable when compared to the monthly wage, but not at all appropriate for tourists coming from countries with an average monthly net salary of $200.

That is why many of them decide to prepare a home-cooked meal made of groceries bought at the local markets.

MARKETS

The food, fruit, and vegetable prices at local markets are rather affordable.

The price of bread and eggs might be slightly higher than elsewhere in the world, but that is not unusual for Australia.

It is interesting that you might spend $6 or even more for a cup of coffee there.

TRANSPORTATION

Australia has amazing public transportation, but to be able to use it you will need to pay relatively high transport costs.

Even though it is not in the first place based on the expense and there are places where transportation prices are even higher, a monthly transport ticket can cost up to $107 in some cities in Australia.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

SPORTS & LEISURE

Australians are very fond of sports and outdoor activities and they promote a healthy lifestyle while enjoying walking, running, and cycling.

Prices for monthly fitness fees are rather low and they differ from city to city in Australia, but generally speaking, they are fully affordable even to those who earn minimum wages.

CLOTHING & SHOES

RENT PER MONTH

HEALTHCARE

Australia’s public system covers most hospital and primary care services, funded through general taxes and a Medicare levy of about 2 percent of income.

Private health insurance premiums average around 150 to 250 USD per month for a single adult and 300 to 450 USD for families.

Out-of-pocket costs typically range from 1,200 to 2,000 USD per person per year, mainly for dental care, specialists, and gap fees.

With average monthly salaries above 4,500 USD, healthcare is generally affordable relative to income.

EDUCATION

Public primary and secondary schools do not charge compulsory government tuition for domestic students, but families often pay voluntary fees, uniforms, excursions, and supplies that can amount to several thousand dollars per year.

Private schools charge official tuition that can range from several thousand to $20,000 or more per year.

For higher education, domestic students at public universities pay an average of about $5,000 per year for a bachelor’s program and around $9,500 per year for a master’s program.

Private universities may average roughly $11,000 per year.

International university students often pay much more, frequently $20,000 to $28,000 or higher per year.

Typical additional student costs include textbooks and daily living expenses.

Despite higher average incomes, education costs remain a major household budget item.