Cost of living in Australia compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 22% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Australia is 22% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | AU$22 ($14) | $22 | - 34% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | AU$15 ($10) | $12 | - 18% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | AU$7 ($4.59) | $5.99 | - 23% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | AU$1.90 ($1.24) | $1.09 | + 14% | |
| 12 eggs, large | AU$8 ($5.07) | $5.73 | - 12% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | AU$5.81 ($3.80) | $4.82 | - 21% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | AU$9 ($6) | $8 | - 22% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | AU$4.92 ($3.22) | $4.15 | - 22% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | AU$3.73 ($2.44) | $2.25 | + 9% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | AU$7 ($4.32) | $3.91 | + 11% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | AU$22 ($14) | $18 | - 21% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | AU$3.99 ($2.61) | $3.01 | - 13% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | AU$2.37 ($1.55) | $3.00 | - 48% | |
| Housing | - 19% | |||
| Housing in Australia is 19% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | AU$3,994 ($2,615) | $3,004 | - 13% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | AU$2,720 ($1,781) | $2,339 | - 24% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | AU$251 ($165) | $241 | - 32% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | AU$2,834 ($1,856) | $2,221 | - 16% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | AU$2,188 ($1,433) | $1,649 | - 13% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | AU$190 ($124) | $172 | - 28% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | AU$66 ($44) | $61 | - 28% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | AU$780 ($511) | $250 | + 104% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | AU$219 ($144) | $144 | - 1% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | AU$15 ($10) | $15 | - 36% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | AU$40 ($26) | $34 | - 24% | |
| Clothes | + 23% | |||
| Clothes in Australia is 23% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | AU$126 ($82) | $58 | + 42% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | AU$97 ($64) | $50 | + 27% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | AU$170 ($111) | $105 | + 6% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | AU$188 ($123) | $138 | - 10% | |
| Transportation | + 4% | |||
| Transportation in Australia is 4% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | AU$40,695 ($26,649) | $31,214 | - 15% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | AU$1.92 ($1.26) | $0.93 | + 35% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | AU$142 ($93) | $88 | + 6% | |
| Personal Care | - 46% | |||
| Personal Care in Australia is 46% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | AU$10 ($6) | $9 | - 33% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | AU$23 ($15) | $25 | - 40% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | AU$87 ($57) | $171 | - 67% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | AU$8 ($4.93) | $10 | - 49% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | AU$5.28 ($3.46) | $5.33 | - 35% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | AU$7 ($4.84) | $7 | - 33% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | AU$4.36 ($2.85) | $5.22 | - 45% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | AU$4.58 ($3.00) | $2.45 | + 22% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | AU$36 ($23) | $32 | - 26% | |
| Entertainment | - 1% | |||
| Entertainment in Australia is about the same as in United States | ||||
| Australia | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | AU$73 ($48) | $61 | - 21% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | AU$44 ($29) | $30 | - 5% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | AU$356 ($233) | $239 | - 2% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | AU$129 ($85) | $103 | - 18% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | AU$22 ($15) | $15 | - 3% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | AU$5.69 ($3.72) | $6 | - 38% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | AU$12 ($8) | $8 | + 2% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | AU$863 ($565) | $458 | + 23% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | AU$0.77 ($0.50) | $0.52 | - 3% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | AU$94 ($61) | $71 | - 13% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | AU$45 ($29) | $11 | + 161% | |
| TOTAL | - 12% | |||
These prices were last updated on July 17, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.655
USD
/
AUD
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 16,457 prices entered by 1,849 different people.
Cost of living in Australia is 12% cheaper than in United States
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