Just the mention of Australia is enough to spark the imagination. The Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, the wildlife, the beaches, and the surfing—all of it makes you want to pack your bags and head down under. It’s no wonder many expats choose to move there, drawn by the lifestyle and the country’s economic stability.
Before diving into the expat adventure, it’s normal to ask a few questions, especially about the cost of living Australia. Foyer Global Health shares a detailed guide on the budget you should plan for living in Australia.
Overview of the Average Cost of Living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia is between 7.2% and 17.5% higher than in Europe. However, the purchasing power is over 9% higher.
| Average monthly salary | €3,388 |
| Rent for a city-center apartment (Canberra) | €1,390€ to €2,835 |
| Price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center (Canberra) | €5,820€ to €8,267 |
| Gasoline (1L) | €1.05€ |
| Mobile plan (calls and 10GB+ data) | Between €12 and €42/month |
| Grocery budget | 7% higher than the European average |
| Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant | €72 |
Australian Currency and Exchange Rates
The official currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar, abbreviated “AUD.” It is represented by the symbol “$” but also by “A$” to distinguish it from other dollar currencies. Each Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents, and there are six coins with values of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 AUD. The circulating banknotes have values of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 AUD. As of July 30, 2024, 1 AUD = 0.61 EUR. The official exchange rate my vary.
Housing in Australia
The Australian real estate market is currently very dynamic. Over the past three years, house prices have increased by around 20%, and rents by over 37%. The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Australia ranges from 1,200 to 3,300 AUD (€726 to €1,996). The purchase price per square meter varies by region. The average price is 10,985 AUD (€6,646) in the city center and 8,055 AUD (€4,873) in the suburbs. Here is a table of rental and sale prices in July 2024 if you plan to live in Australia:
| Housing | Price in Sydney | Price in Canberra | Price in Brisbane | Price in Melbourne |
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center | 3,300 AUD (€1,996) | 2,700 AUD (€1,633) | 2,500 AUD (€1,515) | 2,260 AUD (€1,367) |
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center | 2,250 AUD (€1,361) | 2,150 AUD (€1,300) | 2,090 AUD (€659) | 1,900 AUD (€1,150) |
| Average purchase price per square meter in the city center | 22,470 AUD (€13,595) | 11,100 AUD (€6,716) | 12,200 AUD (€7,380) | 10,900 AUD (€6,595) |
| Average purchase price per square meter outside the city center | 14,150 AUD (€8,561) | 9,000 AUD (€5,445) | 8,550 AUD (€5,170) | 8,400 AUD (€5,082) |
In addition to housing costs, there are utility expenses, including:
- Electricity per kWh: 0.400 AUD (€0.24)
- Gas per kWh: 0.144 AUD (€0.087)
For an 85m² apartment, expect to pay an average of 300 AUD (€181) in monthly charges. This includes electricity, water, heating, or air conditioning.
Food
The grocery budget is the most significant expense in Australia. On average, groceries per person per day range from 15 to 20 AUD (€9 to €12.10). To give you a better idea of the budget, here is a comparison of basic food prices in Australia versus Europe:
| Item | Price in Australia | Price in Europa |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.94 | €2.20 |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | €3.72 | €3.80 |
| Chicken fillets | €7.76 | €12.81 |
| Red meat (1 kg) | €13.21 | €19.04 |
| Apples (1 kg) | €2.92 | €2.78 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €2.45 | €2.05 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €4.02 | €3.34 |
| Onions (1 kg) | €1.95 | €2.08 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €2.09 | €1.36 |
| Milk (1 L) | €1.41 | €1.15 |
| Water (1.5 L) | €1.49 | €0.70 |
| Imported beer (33 cl) | €5.05 | €2.74 |
Transport in Australia
By Airplane If you want to travel long distances in Australia, flying is the best option. Here are the departure prices offered by the local company Qantas (round trip per person):
- Melbourne-Sydney: 128 AUD (€77.45)
- Canberra-Sydney: 260 AUD (€157)
- Sydney-Brisbane: 150 AUD (€90)
- Melbourne-Perth: 349 AUD (€211)
By Car
Australia has a vast road network that allows you to travel anywhere by car. The price of a liter of gasoline is 1.73 AUD (€1.05).
Taking the Bus
Bus lines serve all cities, and long-distance buses are also available to connect the entire Australian territory.
- In Sydney and the surrounding regions, a bus ride costs between 2.20 AUD and 5.60 AUD (€1.33 to €3.39).
- For long-distance travel, specialized buses like Greyhound Australia offer departure prices starting from 19 AUD (€11.50).
Metro
In Sydney, you can also take the metro starting at 2.94 AUD (€1.78). In Melbourne, it is possible to get the Myki card for 6 AUD (€3.63). This card gives you access to the metro and the entire city’s public transport network.
Train
Several train networks are also available between different Australian cities. Expect an average price of 40 to 120 AUD (€24 to €73) per trip.
Choosing the Ferry
The ferry is a must in Australia; it connects the country’s different islands. The average trip from the Australian mainland to Tasmania costs 100 AUD (€60.50) per person.
Healthcare in Australia
Here are the average prices (in euros) for some medical services in Australia:
| Medical services | Average price |
| General practitioner consultation | €30.50 to €36.60 |
| Specialist consultation | €61 to €122 |
| Gynecologist consultation | €73.20 to €109.80 |
| Tooth extraction | €91.50 to €183 |
| Cavity treatment | €122 |
| X-ray | €45.75 to €91.50 |
| Ultrasound | €91.50 to €122 |
| MRI | €488 |
| Blood test | €61 to €183 |
| Childbirth | €915 to €3,050 |
| Emergency admission | €140.30 to €549 |
The Australian healthcare system is based on Medicare, the national health insurance system. Not all residents are necessarily eligible, and sometimes the coverage provided is insufficient. To fill these gaps, it is advisable to take out private or international health insurance. This ensures total coverage, granting access to top-quality healthcare in Australia and worldwide.
Education and Schooling
The Australian school system is divided into four cycles: preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. Here are the average tuition fees:
- Preschool: 2,400 AUD (€1,452) per month
- Primary school: 19,300 AUD (€11,677) per year
- Secondary cycle: 15,500 AUD (€9,378) per year
- Higher education: 22,000 to 50,000 AUD (€13,300 to €30,200) per degree/doctorate
Of course, prices vary depending on the type of institution (public, private, international…).
Mobile and Internet Plans
There are three major mobile operators in Australia: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
- Monthly phone plans range between 20 and 70 AUD (€12.10 and €42.35).
- The cost of an internet subscription is between 40 and 100 AUD (€24.20 and €60.50).
Leisure and Entertainment:
In Sydney:
- Entry to the Sydney Opera House: 45 AUD (€27)/adult and 25 AUD (€15)/child.
- A day at Luna Park: Unlimited pass for an adult 55 AUD (€33) and a child 45 AUD (€27).
- Entry to Taronga Zoo: 45.90 AUD (€28)/adult and 27 AUD (€16)/child.
In Melbourne :
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: Free entry.
- Cricket Ground: 35 AUD (€21)/adult and 16 AUD (€9.68)/child.
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium: 49.50 AUD (€28)/adult and 36 AUD (€21.78)/child.
In Canberra :
- Australian Parliament House: Free entry.
- National Zoo and Aquarium: 52 AUD (€31.46)/adult and 30 AUD (€18)/child.
- Questacon science museum: 24.50 AUD (€15)/adult and 18.90 AUD (€11.44)/child.
Australia offers an exciting lifestyle with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, but it comes with a higher cost of living in Australia. From housing and food to transport and healthcare, expenses can be significant. However, the higher purchasing power and overall quality of life may well justify the cost for those seeking to immerse themselves in the Australian experience. Additionally, when compared to the rest of Europe, Australia’s living costs are generally higher, yet the unique cultural and natural offerings of Australia provide a compelling reason for many to make the move.