Monthly Cost Summary — Townsville
| Expense | Single Person |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | $280–$380/week |
| Groceries | $160–$210 per week |
| Public transport | $70–$100 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $300–$400 |
| Dining out (meal for two, mid-range) | $80–$110 |
| Total monthly (single) | $2,800–$3,600 |
| Total monthly (family of 4) | $5,800–$7,500 |
Rent in Townsville
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (inner/middle suburbs) | $280–$380/week |
| House (3-bedroom) | $400–$550/week |
| Median (all dwellings) | $450/week |
Rent is the biggest cost in Townsville and the main driver of differences between cities. Townsville ranks One of the most affordable cities for cost of living among Australian cities — 20–30% below average.
Property Prices
| Type | Median Price |
|---|---|
| Median house | ~$450K |
| Median unit/apartment | ~$280K |
Transport in Townsville
Go card: same as SE QLD. Limited bus network. Most residents drive.
What Salary Do You Need?
To live comfortably in Townsville as a single person (renting, moderate lifestyle, some savings), you need a gross salary of approximately $60,000–$80,000 per year. "Comfortably" means renting a 1-bedroom apartment, eating well, going out occasionally, and putting something into savings.
Tips for Living in Townsville
Townsville is genuinely affordable — median house prices under $500K. Defence (Lavarack Barracks) and JCU are major employers. Air conditioning is essential year-round — budget for higher power bills. Cyclone insurance adds to housing costs. Great Barrier Reef access.
What Makes Townsville Different
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Massive defence and healthcare employment. One of few cities where median house prices are under $500K. Tropical climate — build aircon into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Townsville?
A single person needs approximately $2,800–$3,600 per month including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. A family of four needs $5,800–$7,500.
What salary do I need to live in Townsville?
For a comfortable lifestyle as a single person, you need approximately $60,000–$80,000 gross per year. This covers rent on a 1-bedroom apartment, food, transport, and some discretionary spending.
How much is rent in Townsville?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $280–$380/week per week. A 3-bedroom house costs $400–$550/week. Median across all dwellings: $450/week.