Your Finances

Cost Of Living in Australia

When issues of cost and quality of life are considered together, Australia stands out as one of the world's most desirable places in which to live and work.

Australia's quality of life is high, featuring lack of congestion, high quality housing and urban environments, access to sporting and leisure facilities, and a clean natural environment.

Apart from housing, the cost of living does not vary greatly from city to city. Your individual lifestyle will have much greater bearing on how much you spend. Australia has some of the world's least expensive cities. The cost of living in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth is less than half that of the world's most expensive cities. At the same time, Australia's major cities are all ranked in the world's top 30 for quality of life. The cost of living in Western Australia is generally lower than in other Australian states. One can expect to pay more per year for rent, transport, and food in Australia's east-coast cities. Prices are relatively low for essentials such as food, drink, and clothes. Manufactured goods, on the other hand, are generally expensive because many are imported.

Pollution levels
Low pollution levels confirm Australia's desirability as one of the world's best locations. Australia does not suffer the same degree of air, water, noise and traffic level problems as experienced in many other parts of the world.