Cost of Living in Australia: 2025 Updated Guide

 Introduction

Australia is a dream destination for many, whether for studying, working, or settling down. But before making the move, understanding the cost of living is crucial. From housing and transportation to groceries and healthcare, the expenses can vary widely based on location and lifestyle. In this 2025 updated guide, we break down everything you need to know to manage your budget effectively while living in Australia.

How has the cost of living in Australia changed over the last 5-10 years?

The cost of living in Australia has increased significantly over the past 5–10 years. Primarily, House rent, food, fuel, and transportation expenses increased in 2025 compared to 2015 in Sydney and Melbourne. The cost of rent in cities increased by up to 30-40%।

• Average cost of living: What was the average monthly rent in Sydney in 2015? $2,000; in 2025,, $3,500 reached up to
• Food and Grocery Expenses: Grocery market prices, too, 15-25%, have increased
• Transport and Fuel: Fuel price per litre, from AUD 1.20 to AUD 2.10 increased up to

That said, the cost of living in Australia has risen markedly over the past decade, posing a challenge for migrants and students.

 Highest and lowest cost of living?

The cost of living varies from city to city in Australia. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities; on the other hand, Adelaide and Hobart are relatively less expensive.

Residence and accommodation

What is the average cost of buying a house in Australia?

The cost of buying a home varies from city to city. Generally, average house prices are highest in Sydney and Melbourne, while smaller cities have relatively low prices.

For those who want to buy a home for the first time, Government grants and low-deposit schemes However, currently high interest rates (up to 7%) make purchasing a home more expensive.

What types of security and covenants should be considered when renting a home?

There are some important things to be aware of while renting a house in Australia:

1. Lease Agreement:
   • The term of the contract (6-12 months maybe)
   • It is important to read the terms carefully.
2. Bond (Security Deposit):
   • Usually, 4 weeks’ rent must be paid in advance.
   • This amount is refundable if there is no damage while leaving the house.
3. Inspection Report (Property Condition Report):
   • It is important to check the condition of the property before buying a home.
   • If there is any problem, it should be photographed and submitted.
4. Utility Bill:
   • Some houses are rented Electricity, gas, and internet bills are included; some have to be paid separately.

What is the cost of shared house and university accommodation?

For students Share House and University Accommodation A relatively low-cost option.

In the shared house, utility bills and internet costs can be shared, which helps reduce costs.

Cost of living in Australia: food, transport, and utility bill analysis

Food and daily expenses

What are effective strategies for reducing weekly grocery costs?

Grocery costs are relatively high in Australia, but by following some strategies, it is possible to reduce the weekly budget—

✅ Avail special offers and discounts:

• Coles, Woolworths ও Aldi On different products every week, it gives special discounts.
• Check “Half Price Deals” on the app or website.

Shop at Aldi:

• Aldi supermarket compares the same quality products and gives 15-20% less price.

✅ Bulk buying:

• Buying in large quantities at a store like Costco or IGA is cheaper.

✅ Buy from Farmers Market:

• Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products at local farmer’s markets are available at 25-30% cheaper.

✅ Buy Home Brand Products:

• Supermarket own-brand (home-brand) products are usually better than branded products 30-50% cheaper.

Which supermarket (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi) is the most affordable?

✅ period Most affordable, especially on groceries and household products.
✅ Coles & Woolworths Selling products at about the same price, Woolworths is a bit more expensive in some cases.
✅ Costco Good for bulk purchases, but requires membership.

How affordable is it to shop at the local farmers market?

Compared to normal supermarkets Up to 15-30% off Fresh vegetables and fruits are available.
✅ At the end of the week (Saturday or Sunday afternoon), More discounts are available.
✅ Cash payment offers more discounts.

Example:

• The price of 1 kg of apples in the supermarket is $5 AUD, and at the farmers market, $3.50 AUD.
• 1kg tomatoes at Woolworths $4 AUD, at the farmers market $2.50 AUD।

Transportation and Commuting

What types of subscriptions or passes are available to reduce the cost of public transport?

✅ Opal Card (NSW-Sydney & Surroundings):

• in the week After 8 trips the rest of the trip 50% discount।
• The highest fare on Sundays is $8 AUD, limited to

✅ Myki Card (Victoria-Melbourne):

• Buying a monthly pass reduces the cost.
• For students, a discount is given.

✅ Go Card (Queensland, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast):

• After a certain number of trips per week Up to 20% discount available.

✅ SmartRider Card (Western Australia—Perth):

• For students and employees on specific routes Discount up to 30-50%।

Which city is the most used for public transport?

✅ Sydney and Melbourne have the highest use of public transport. Private car usage is relatively high in Brisbane and Perth.
Sydney’s trains and buses are the busiest, as trains are the main mode of transport for people living far from the city center.

Uber or Taxi vs. Public Transport—Which is More Affordable?

✅ Public transport is 70-80% cheaper।
✅ Uber or taxi costs depends on time and distance.

Utility bills and other expenses

What are effective ways to reduce electricity and gas bills?

✅ Choose affordable electricity and gas suppliers (AGL, Origin, Red Energy).
✅ Install solar panels (will save costs in the long run).
✅ Use more electricity at night (many companies charge a lower rate at night).
✅ Use smart power strips (automatically shut off when the lamp or fan is on).

Which internet provider is the best and most affordable?

✅ Aussie Broadband (good speed and relatively low price)
✅ TPG (Affordable plans, good coverage)
✅ Optus & Telstra (More expensive, but best speed and coverage)

How do utility costs change in summer and winter?

During the summer Electricity bills increase due to AC usage।
✅ In winter Gas bills are high, because the heating system has to run.
✅ Utility bills usually in winter 20-30% more becomes

Cost of living in Australia: education, health, entertainment and employment

Education and Health

What is the cost of public vs. private school education?

✅ Government Schools:

• For Australian citizens and permanent residents, free or at nominal cost ($200-$500 AUD per year).
• Tuition fees for international students: $10,000 – $15,000 AUD per year।

✅ Private Schools:

• Average tuition fees are $8,000-$30,000 AUD per year.
• Catholic or church-run schools cost relatively less.

✅ International Boarding Schools:

• Annual fees of elite schools $25,000 – $50,000 AUD can be up to

What are the scholarship opportunities for international students?

✅ Australia Awards Scholarships: Full scholarship given by Govt.
✅ University Scholarships: Each university has different scholarship facilities.
✅ Research Grants & PhD Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities for higher education are more.
✅ Commonwealth Scholarships: Available to students from certain countries.

What are the different categories of health insurance (Medicare, Private Health Insurance)?

✅ Medicare (Government health care):

• For permanent residents and citizens Free or nominal medical care।
• Covers GP visits, hospital costs, and some medicines.

✅ Private Health Insurance:

• Hospital and extra coverage packages are different
• average cost of  $150-300 AUD per month।
• To get more benefits Bupa, Medibank, HCF, and NIB: Such companies can take insurance.

✅ International Student Health Cover (OSHC):

• Compulsory health insurance for international students.
• average cost $500 – $800 AUD per year।

Entertainment and social life

Which city is the most expensive for entertainment?

✅ Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive।
Nightclubs, restaurants, and concerts cost more.
✅ A typical cinema ticket in Sydney is $20 – $30 AUD।

Where are free or low-cost entertainment opportunities available?

✅ National Parks and Beaches:

• Bondi Beach, Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains Free travel opportunities.
  ✅ Free museums and galleries:
• Melbourne Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, National Gallery of Victoria।
  ✅ Community Events:
• Free concerts, festivals, light shows, and fireworks events.

Is a gym or fitness center membership affordable?

✅ Average Gym Membership $40 – $100 AUD per month।
✅ Some universities and community centers Free or low-cost gym facilities are available
Running outside or exercising in the park Free and affordable options।

Employment and Salary

Which sector has the highest job demand?

✅ Health and Nursing (Nursing, Aged Care, Disability Support).
✅ IT and Software Development (Cyber ​​Security, Cloud Computing).
✅ Education (school and university teachers, training courses).
✅ Hospitality (Restaurant, Barista, Kitchen Hand).
✅ Building and Construction (Electricians, Plumbers, Engineers).

What are the government benefits or supports for employees?

✅ Minimum Wage: every hour $২৩ – $২৫ AUD।
✅ Superannuation: Employers for employee’s pension Pays up to 11%।
✅ Centrelink Support: For those who earn less Housing allowance and unemployment allowance।
✅ Paid Leave & Sick Leave: Full-time employees per year, 4 weeks holiday And 10 days paid sick leave.

How easy is it to run monthly expenses with a typical worker’s salary?

✅ A typical worker (full-time) earns an average of $5,000 – $7,000 AUD per month.
✅ Monthly cost of a single person in Sydney or Melbourne: $৪,০০০ – $৫,৫০০ AUD।
Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide Affordable living is possible with the same income।

Cost of Living in Australia A Guide for Migrants and Students

Special information for immigrants and students

Which city in Australia is best for new immigrants?

Some cities in Australia can be good options for new immigrants in terms of cost of living, employment, accommodation, and other facilities.

✅ Adelaide: Good option for new immigrants because of its low cost, less traffic, and quiet lifestyle.
✅ Perth: There are good job opportunities in technology and mining.
✅ Brisbane: Job opportunities are more for students and new immigrants.
✅ Melbourne and Sydney: Although there are more job opportunities, the cost of living is high.

How about part-time job opportunities for students?

✅ International students According to the visa can work up to 48 hours a week।
✅ There is an opportunity to work full-time during the vacation (Semester Break).
✅ Popular Part-Time Jobs:

• Restaurant & Cafe (Barista, Waiter): $25-$30 AUD/hour
• Supermarket (Coles, Woolworths): $24-$28 AUD/hour
• Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash): $20-$35 AUD/hour
• Tutoring or Freelancing: $30-$50 AUD/hour

How do Tax File Numbers (TFN) and superannuation affect the cost of living?

✅ TFN (Tax File Number):

• It is mandatory to work in Australia.
• If working without TFN A higher tax deduction of up to 45% is levied।

✅ Superannuation:

• Employers are paid a monthly 11% extra money deposit as a pension.
• International students can get some superannuation back when leaving Australia (if the visa expires).
• In the long run, it saves well for the future.

Conclusion

What is expected to be the cost of living in Australia in 2025 and beyond?

✅ Cost of living will increase further.

• House rent, food, and electricity prices may increase further.
  ✅ Wage increase:
• The minimum wage is increasing every year, so income may also increase slightly.
  ✅ Focus on sustainable living:
• Many people will use energy-saving methods and public transport more.

How affordable is Australia’s cost of living for immigrants?

✅ Challenging for new immigrants, but rewarding in the long run. If one can find the right job, it is possible to live a good quality of life.
✅ Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are relatively good options for new immigrants.

What are the long-term tips for cost reduction?

✅ Residence: If you stay in a shared house, the rent is reduced.
✅ food: Discounts and farmers’ markets are good for grocery shopping.
✅ Transportation: Use public transport and bicycles.
✅ Electricity and Gas: Choose cost-effective suppliers and use less electricity.
✅ Get tax benefits: Process TFN and claim tax returns.

Key points in a nutshell:

✅ For new immigrants Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane are good options।
✅ For students, Part-time job opportunities are good।
✅ TFN and Superannuation If used correctly, good savings can be made in the future.
✅ After 2025, Cost of living may increase further।
✅ To reduce costs Share home, use public transport and discounts।

Cost of Living in Australia – Free Guide 📘

Want to know the real cost of living in Australia? Get our FREE guide! 🏡💰

📩 Claim your free guide by emailing us at: info@haleboop.com

🔍 What’s inside the guide?
✅ Housing, food, transport, and daily expenses breakdown
✅ Smart tips to save money
✅ Best cities for new immigrants & students
✅ Part-time job opportunities for students
✅ Cost predictions for 2025 and beyond

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out via email! 😊

Elijah Lascelles

Hi, I’m Elijah Lascelles from the east coast of Tasmania. I studied tourism and started a small tour agency with my friends. We love traveling around Australia. On HaleBoop.com, I share my simple travel stories and experiences from all over the country.