Explore the budget needed to live comfortably across Australian states in 2025—housing, food, utilities, transport, healthcare, and lifestyle costs compared.
Introduction
Living comfortably in Australia varies widely by state due to differences in housing, daily expenses, and wages. In 2025, understanding how much money you need in each Australian state helps you plan better, whether relocating for work, family, or lifestyle. This guide breaks down key living costs and affordability factors across states for a clear financial picture.
State-by-State Cost of Living Overview
Australia’s living expenses differ significantly between states, influenced particularly by housing and utility costs. Sydney and Victoria (Melbourne) remain the most expensive regions, with median rents for a one-bedroom apartment city-center exceeding AUD 2,300 per month. Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and other states offer more affordable living, with rents generally 20–40% lower than Sydney, easing monthly budgets.
Food prices are fairly consistent nationwide, but states like South Australia and Tasmania tend to have slightly cheaper grocery bills. Utilities such as electricity and internet vary around AUD 100–150 per month per person but can be higher in states with extreme temperatures, e.g., Northern Territory and Queensland due to cooling needs.
Transportation costs depend largely on public transit availability and distance traveled. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney have extensive networks, while regional and less dense cities might require more car use, impacting fuel and maintenance expenses.
Healthcare in Australia is well-subsidized, but out-of-pocket costs can differ by location and service availability, with regional areas sometimes requiring travel for specialist care. Overall, healthcare costs are a smaller fraction of monthly expenses but important to consider.
Income levels also vary, with states like Western Australia and New South Wales offering higher average salaries (~AUD 3,500 to 3,800 monthly net) helping offset living costs. More affordable states (e.g., Tasmania, South Australia) typically have lower incomes but benefit from reduced expenses.
Budget Estimates for Comfortable Living by State
Here are estimated monthly costs for a single person living comfortably (excluding rent) and typical rent prices for city-centre one-bedroom apartments in each state:
| State/Territory | Monthly Living Costs* (AUD) | Median Rent (one-bed city) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (Sydney) | 1,800 – 2,100 | ~2,350 | Highest housing costs; large incomes |
| Victoria (Melbourne) | 1,650 – 1,950 | ~2,300 | Slightly more affordable than Sydney |
| Queensland (Brisbane) | 1,400 – 1,700 | ~1,900 | Lower rents and utilities; warm climate |
| South Australia (Adelaide) | 1,300 – 1,600 | ~1,500 | Among Australia’s most affordable capitals |
| Western Australia (Perth) | 1,350 – 1,650 | ~1,900 | Good incomes; coastal lifestyle |
| Tasmania (Hobart) | 1,200 – 1,500 | ~1,300 | Low expenses; smaller city benefits |
| Australian Capital Territory | 1,600 – 1,900 | ~1,800 | High public service jobs; moderate costs |
| Northern Territory (Darwin) | 1,500 – 1,800 | ~1,700 | Higher utilities; smaller urban centre |
*Includes food, transport, utilities, healthcare, leisure
Rent accounts for roughly 40–50% of living expenses in expensive cities and closer to 30–40% in more affordable locations.
Practical Tips for Managing Living Costs
- Housing:Â Choose suburbs or regional areas with lower rent if flexible; consider sharing accommodation to reduce costs.
- Utilities:Â Monitor use and shop for competitive internet and energy plans, especially in states with high cooling or heating needs.
- Transport:Â Use public transport where available; driving increases costs due to fuel and maintenance.
- Food and Groceries:Â Plan meals, shop at local markets, and buy in bulk to contain grocery spending.
- Healthcare:Â Utilize Medicare and public services; consider private health for additional coverage if budget allows.
Balancing salary expectations with state cost structures is crucial. For example, while Sydney’s salaries are higher, living expenses outpace income gains for many, making cities like Adelaide or Brisbane attractive for better affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Conclusion
In 2025, the money needed to live comfortably across Australian states varies widely—Sydney demands the highest budget due to housing, while states like Tasmania and South Australia offer more affordable living. Careful planning of housing, daily expenses, and lifestyle preferences will help you find the best balance and make either state a suitable home.
