Cost of Living in Australia
Compare living costs across major Australian cities and see where your salary goes furthest
Quick Comparison
Cost of Living Index by City
Sydney = 100. A city with index 80 means living costs are roughly 20% cheaper than Sydney.
Estimated Monthly Costs
Approximate monthly costs for a single person (estimates based on cost of living index).
Sydney
$4,000/moMelbourne
$3,800/moDarwin
$3,800/moCanberra
$3,680/moPerth
$3,600/moBrisbane
$3,520/moKey Insights
Sydney vs Melbourne
Melbourne is about 5% cheaper than Sydney overall. The biggest difference is in rent, where Melbourne averages 10-15% less. Dining and groceries are similar.
Regional Cities
Cities like Newcastle, Geelong, and Wollongong offer 15-20% lower costs than capitals, while still having access to major employment markets.
Darwin Paradox
Despite being smaller, Darwin has high living costs (95 index) due to remoteness and transport costs. However, many jobs offer location allowances.
Best Value
Hobart and Adelaide offer the best value for capital cities, with costs 18-22% lower than Sydney while maintaining good job markets and lifestyle.
Related Guides
Compare Salaries by City
See how salaries vary across Australian cities for your role.
Browse Salary GuideCost of living estimates are based on aggregate data from various sources including Numbeo, ABS, and industry reports. Individual costs may vary significantly based on lifestyle and specific location within each city.