The Answer
$2,600–$5,500/month (single)
Monthly cost for a single person ranges from $2,600 (Toowoomba) to $5,500 (Sydney). Rent is the biggest variable. 8 capitals + 8 regional cities compared.
Cost of Living Comparison — All Cities
| City | Rent (1-bed/week) | Monthly Total (single) | Salary Needed | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $550–$750/week | $4,500–$5,500 | $90,000–$120,000 | 1st (most expensive) |
| Melbourne | $450–$600/week | $3,800–$4,800 | $80,000–$100,000 | 2nd |
| Brisbane | $420–$550/week | $3,500–$4,500 | $75,000–$95,000 | 3rd–4th |
| Perth | $400–$550/week | $3,500–$4,500 | $80,000–$100,000 | 3rd–4th |
| Adelaide | $350–$480/week | $3,200–$4,000 | $70,000–$90,000 | 5th–6th (affordable) |
| Hobart | $350–$450/week | $3,000–$3,800 | $65,000–$85,000 | 7th (most affordable capital) |
| Darwin | $380–$500/week | $3,500–$4,500 | $80,000–$100,000 | Variable — high groceries/utilities, moderate rent |
| Canberra | $450–$580/week | $3,800–$4,800 | $85,000–$105,000 | 3rd–4th (high rent, high salaries) |
| Gold Coast | $400–$520/week | $3,400–$4,200 | $75,000–$95,000 | More expensive than Brisbane for beachside |
| Newcastle | $350–$450/week | $3,200–$4,000 | $70,000–$90,000 | 30–40% cheaper than Sydney |
| Geelong | $320–$420/week | $2,900–$3,700 | $65,000–$85,000 | 30–40% cheaper than Melbourne |
| Sunshine Coast | $380–$500/week | $3,300–$4,100 | $70,000–$90,000 | Similar to Gold Coast, cheaper than Sydney |
| Wollongong | $350–$450/week | $3,100–$3,900 | $70,000–$85,000 | 35–45% cheaper than Sydney |
| Townsville | $280–$380/week | $2,800–$3,600 | $60,000–$80,000 | One of the most affordable cities |
| Cairns | $300–$400/week | $2,900–$3,700 | $60,000–$80,000 | Very affordable |
| Toowoomba | $260–$350/week | $2,600–$3,300 | $55,000–$75,000 | Among the most affordable in Australia |
Capital Cities
Sydney$4,500–$5,500/month — 1st (most expensive)
Melbourne$3,800–$4,800/month — 2nd
Brisbane$3,500–$4,500/month — 3rd–4th
Perth$3,500–$4,500/month — 3rd–4th
Adelaide$3,200–$4,000/month — 5th–6th (affordable)
Hobart$3,000–$3,800/month — 7th (most affordable capital)
Darwin$3,500–$4,500/month — Variable — high groceries/utilities, moderate rent
Canberra$3,800–$4,800/month — 3rd–4th (high rent, high salaries)
Regional Cities
Gold Coast$3,400–$4,200/month — More expensive than Brisbane for beachside
Newcastle$3,200–$4,000/month — 30–40% cheaper than Sydney
Geelong$2,900–$3,700/month — 30–40% cheaper than Melbourne
Sunshine Coast$3,300–$4,100/month — Similar to Gold Coast, cheaper than Sydney
Wollongong$3,100–$3,900/month — 35–45% cheaper than Sydney
Townsville$2,800–$3,600/month — One of the most affordable cities
Cairns$2,900–$3,700/month — Very affordable
Toowoomba$2,600–$3,300/month — Among the most affordable in Australia
Key Takeaways
- Most expensive: Sydney, then Canberra and Melbourne. Driven almost entirely by rent.
- Best value capitals: Hobart, Adelaide, and Darwin offer 15–25% lower costs than Sydney.
- Best value regional: Toowoomba, Townsville, and Cairns — 25–35% below national average.
- Highest salaries: Canberra (government), Perth (mining), and Sydney. Higher costs are partially offset by higher incomes.
- Groceries are similar everywhere: The difference between cities is 5–15%. Rent is what drives the real cost gap.
- Transport varies hugely: Brisbane's 50c fares vs Sydney's $50/week cap — that's $2,000/year difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest city to live in Australia?
Among capitals, Hobart and Adelaide are consistently the cheapest. Regionally, Toowoomba, Townsville, and Cairns offer 25–35% lower costs than Sydney.
What's the most expensive city?
Sydney, by a significant margin — driven by rent. A 1-bedroom apartment costs $550–$750/week vs $350–$450 in Adelaide or Hobart.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably?
Varies by city: $65,000–$85,000 in Hobart or Adelaide, $90,000–$120,000 in Sydney. 'Comfortably' means renting, eating well, going out occasionally, and saving something.
What Changed
Apr 2026
All 16 cities verified