1. Housing Costs in Australia (2025)

Housing is one of the biggest expenses in Australia, and prices vary significantly between major cities and regional areas. Here’s an estimated breakdown of rental costs:

Location	One-bedroom Apartment (City Centre)	One-bedroom Apartment (Outside City)	Shared Accommodation
Sydney	$2,800 – $3,800 per month	$2,000 – $2,800 per month	$800 – $1,500 per month
Melbourne	$2,200 – $3,200 per month	$1,600 – $2,500 per month	$700 – $1,300 per month
Brisbane	$1,800 – $2,700 per month	$1,400 – $2,000 per month	$600 – $1,200 per month
Perth	$1,700 – $2,500 per month	$1,300 – $1,900 per month	$550 – $1,100 per month
Adelaide	$1,500 – $2,400 per month	$1,200 – $1,800 per month	$500 – $1,000 per month

Tips for Managing Housing Costs

• Consider shared accommodation to cut costs.
• Look at regional areas where rent is more affordable.
• Apply for student housing if studying in Australia.

2. Food & Grocery Expenses

The cost of food in Australia is relatively high compared to other countries due to import costs and inflation. Here’s an estimate of basic grocery expenses:

Item	Average Cost (2025)
Milk (1L)	$2.50 – $3.50
Bread (Loaf)	$3.00 – $4.50
Rice (1kg)	$3.50 – $5.50
Eggs (12)	$5.50 – $7.00
Chicken (1kg)	$10.00 – $15.00
Beef (1kg)	$15.00 – $22.00
Apples (1kg)	$4.00 – $6.00
Coffee (Café)	$4.50 – $6.50
Restaurant Meal	$20 – $45

Tips to Save on Food

• Shop at local markets for fresh and cheaper produce.
• Buy in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco or Aldi.
• Cook at home instead of eating out frequently.

3. Transportation Costs

Public transport is essential for those living in major cities. Here’s what to expect in terms of transportation costs:

Transport Mode	Estimated Cost (2025)
Public Transport	$160 – $220
One-way Ticket (Bus/Train)	$4.00 – $5.50
Taxi (per km)	$2.00 – $3.50
Petrol (per litre)	$1.80 – $2.50
Ride-sharing (Uber, DiDi)	$20 – $60 per trip

Money-saving Tips for Transport

• Use student or concession transport cards for discounts.
• Purchase a monthly travel pass for unlimited rides.
• Consider cycling or walking for short distances.

4. Healthcare & Insurance

Australia has a high-quality healthcare system, and international students and expats must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or private health insurance.

Healthcare Service	Estimated Cost (2025)
Doctor’s Visit	$80 – $120 (Bulk billing may apply)
Specialist Consultation	$150 – $300
Prescription Medication	$20 – $50 per item
Private Health Insurance (Monthly)	$100 – $600

How to Reduce Healthcare Costs

• Check if you qualify for bulk billing to get free GP visits.
• Compare different health insurance providers for the best deals.
• Keep an emergency fund for unexpected medical expenses.

5. Entertainment & Leisure Costs

Living in Australia isn’t just about expenses – there’s plenty of room for fun too! Here’s what you might spend on leisure activities:

Activity	Average Cost (2025)
Movie Ticket	$20 – $25
Gym Membership	$50 – $200 per month
Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify)	$15 – $30 per month
Night Out (Dinner & Drinks)	$60 – $120
National Park Entry	Free – $20
Theme Park Entry	$80 – $150

Ways to Save on Entertainment

• Look for student discounts and promotions.
• Use free outdoor activities like hiking and beach trips.
• Take advantage of free community events.

6. Internet & Phone Plans

Staying connected is crucial, especially for students and professionals.

Service	Estimated Cost (2025)
Mobile Plan (Unlimited Calls & 20GB Data)	$30 – $60 per month
Home Internet (NBN, Unlimited Data)	$70 – $120 per month

Tips for Saving on Internet & Phone

• Use WiFi at home and university/work to save mobile data.
• Compare different providers to find the best deals.

Final Thoughts: Is Living in Australia Expensive?

While Australia’s cost of living is high, proper budgeting and smart financial choices can make life more affordable. By finding cheaper housing, using public transport, shopping smart, and taking advantage of discounts, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities, while Adelaide and Perth offer more affordable options.
• Housing and food take up the biggest portion of your budget.
• Public transport, healthcare, and entertainment costs can be reduced with smart choices.
• Students and professionals should explore discounts, scholarships, and government support.
• Are you planning to move to Australia in 2025? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below!