Various Cost of Living in Australia
Key Takeaways
The cost of living in Australia is high: 1,800-2,500 AUD/month to live simply in Sydney or Melbourne (1,100-1,500€). Rent in shared accommodation: 800-1,200 AUD, groceries 400-500 AUD, transport 150 AUD, outings 300-500 AUD. To be optimized through work.
When I lived in Australia for over a year, I paid great attention to my expenses to be able to travel and live decently.
I will give you the cost of various items in Australia for a backpacker or mid-range budget.
Knowing that the exchange rate was different when I was there, I will list prices in Australian Dollars. The purpose of this article is to inform about the prices practiced in Australia. It should be taken with a grain of salt but it gives you a rough idea of the cost of living in Australia.
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Cost of Living in Australia for Transport
1.30 dollars per liter of gasoline 1.50 dollars on average for a subway ticketFor example, count more than 350 dollars for a one-way Sydney to Cairns bus ticket with unlimited stops in cities along the way, ticket valid for 90 days.
Did you know?
Sydney regularly ranks in the top 15 most expensive cities in the world according to Mercer. The median rent for a studio in Sydney CBD exceeds 2,500 AUD per month (~1,500€), which is 50% more than in central Paris.
Van rental starts at 35 dollars, the price varies depending on the season! Expect a bit more for high season for example, the longer you rent, the cheaper the daily cost!
 Cost of Living in Australia for Accommodation
Youth hostels range from 15 dollars to 40 dollars, Cairns being the city where backpacker prices are the cheapest and Darwin is the most expensive place from what I observed!I have paid 18 dollars for a bed in an 8-bed dormitory in Cairns, with breakfast and dinner included, whereas in Darwin I paid more than 30 dollars for a 6-person dormitory with breakfast.
My Experience
During my Working Holiday Visa in Melbourne, I lived in shared accommodation at 250 AUD/week, I did my shopping at Aldi (40% cheaper than Coles), and I worked 3 days a week. Total expenses: 1,500 AUD/month. Total income: 2,800 AUD/month. I saved 1,300 AUD/month.
Camping from 8 dollars up to 15 dollars in a Caravan Park. In national parks, it is often 10 dollars per night, you can choose not to pay if you want but be careful of the ranger.
In some highway rest areas, you can find free spots.Price for a bed starts from 80 to 150 dollars for a room with 4 people. It varies greatly depending on the city; if you have a small budget, you will often have to share your room! Count between 180 and 250 dollars per week for a single room in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. I paid 180 dollars per week for a room in a house 10 minutes walk from Sydney. Obviously, the price is lower in smaller towns.
Advantages
- High wages (~25 AUD/h minimum)
- Decent Medicare health system
- Opportunity to save money while working
- Lots of student housing assistance
- Reasonable food costs outside restaurants
Disadvantages
- Very expensive rent in Sydney and Melbourne
- Tobacco and alcohol heavily taxed
- Restaurants more expensive than in France
- Costly transport (gasoline + car)
- High medical fees outside Medicare
| Item | Sydney | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rent | 1,000-1,400 AUD | 800-1,200 AUD |
| Groceries | 400-500 AUD | 350-450 AUD |
| Transport | 200 AUD | 180 AUD |
| Entertainment | 400-600 AUD | 300-500 AUD |
| Total | ~2,500 AUD | ~2,100 AUD |
Cost of living in Australia for food
The best choice is to go to Coles or Woolworths and buy there after 6 PM or 8 PM. Choose budget brands. 1kg of rice, 2 dollars 50 // 1kg of pasta from one dollar.Sausages and minced meats are the cheapest but I don’t quite remember the price. There are often discounts.
Most prices are the same in dollars as in euros. For example, the price of pasta in euros will be the same in dollars in Australia. Roughly speaking.
The classic trap to avoid
Do not sign a long-term Airbnb lease without physically visiting in Sydney. Many bank transfer scams target Working Holiday Visa holders booking from abroad. Use Flatmates.com.au and visit before paying.
Cost of living in Australia: drinks
Alcohol is more expensive in Australia, at least 40 dollars for a pack of 24 beers, otherwise expect 15 dollars for a pack of 6 beers! At least 30 dollars for a strong spirit, whisky, rum, vodka.
To delve deeper into the subject, the guide on budget and cost offers additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on becoming a true, and if you are preparing the next part of your trip, the one on road trip by is timely.
At least 8 dollars for a glass of strong alcohol or at least 5 dollars for a pint of beer. Count at least 10 dollars for a cocktail.
The most consumed alcohol by backpackers is goon, a 4-liter box of wine (White, Red, Rosé) priced from 12 euros, there are also 2-liter boxes.
How much do you need per month to live in Australia?
Between 1,800 and 2,500 AUD/month to live simply in Sydney or Melbourne (1,100-1,500€).
What is the minimum wage in Australia?
24.10 AUD gross per hour since July 2025, about 14.50€. It is one of the highest in the world.
How to save money in Australia?
Shared housing, shopping at Aldi, BYO (Bring Your Own bottle) at restaurants, public transport, cooking at home.
