Cost of living in Australia compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 15% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Australia is 15% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | AU$21 ($14) | $19 | - 23% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | AU$14 ($9) | $10 | - 6% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | AU$7 ($4.46) | $5.78 | - 23% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | AU$1.81 ($1.21) | $1.08 | + 11% | |
| 12 eggs, large | AU$6 ($4.21) | $4.95 | - 15% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | AU$7 ($4.74) | $4.70 | + 1% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | AU$9 ($6.00) | $7 | - 13% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | AU$4.83 ($3.22) | $4.66 | - 31% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | AU$3.47 ($2.32) | $2.49 | - 7% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | AU$5.53 ($3.69) | $3.12 | + 18% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | AU$19 ($13) | $16 | - 19% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | AU$3.75 ($2.50) | $2.77 | - 10% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | AU$2.80 ($1.87) | $2.98 | - 37% | |
| Housing | - 25% | |||
| Housing in Australia is 25% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | AU$3,062 ($2,042) | $2,823 | - 28% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | AU$2,281 ($1,521) | $2,138 | - 29% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | AU$231 ($154) | $220 | - 30% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | AU$2,199 ($1,466) | $1,886 | - 22% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | AU$1,704 ($1,136) | $1,441 | - 21% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | AU$176 ($117) | $146 | - 20% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | AU$67 ($45) | $64 | - 30% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | AU$599 ($399) | $295 | + 35% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | AU$277 ($185) | $133 | + 38% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | AU$12 ($8) | $14 | - 42% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | AU$36 ($24) | $31 | - 24% | |
| Clothes | + 21% | |||
| Clothes in Australia is 21% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | AU$108 ($72) | $54 | + 34% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | AU$84 ($56) | $45 | + 24% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | AU$165 ($110) | $93 | + 18% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | AU$168 ($112) | $119 | - 5% | |
| Transportation | + 21% | |||
| Transportation in Australia is 21% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | AU$33,972 ($22,656) | $27,910 | - 19% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | AU$1.90 ($1.27) | $1.05 | + 21% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | AU$159 ($106) | $79 | + 34% | |
| Personal Care | - 40% | |||
| Personal Care in Australia is 40% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | AU$8 ($5.64) | $8 | - 31% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | AU$22 ($15) | $21 | - 32% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | AU$77 ($51) | $140 | - 63% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | AU$8 ($5.29) | $8 | - 37% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | AU$5.05 ($3.37) | $4.80 | - 30% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | AU$6 ($4.04) | $6 | - 35% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | AU$4.27 ($2.85) | $4.72 | - 40% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | AU$4.32 ($2.88) | $2.25 | + 28% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | AU$34 ($22) | $27 | - 17% | |
| Entertainment | + 3% | |||
| Entertainment in Australia is about the same as in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | AU$61 ($41) | $55 | - 26% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | AU$39 ($26) | $28 | - 5% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | AU$275 ($183) | $195 | - 6% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | AU$112 ($75) | $89 | - 16% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | AU$20 ($13) | $14 | - 2% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | AU$5.12 ($3.41) | $5.21 | - 34% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | AU$10 ($7) | $6 | + 6% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | AU$815 ($544) | $554 | - 2% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | AU$0.39 ($0.26) | $0.21 | + 23% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | AU$70 ($46) | $54 | - 14% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | AU$42 ($28) | $10 | + 180% | |
| TOTAL | - 8% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 07, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.667
USD
/
AUD
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 24,159 prices entered by 3,171 different people.
Cost of living in Australia is 8% cheaper than in United States
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