What will it really cost you to live in Australia?
Is your salary enough? How far will your savings go? And which Australian city makes the most sense for your budget?
Use our Cost of Living Calculator and Guide to compare Australian cities, test your income or savings against everyday expenses, and build a more realistic picture of what life in Australia could cost you.
The average cost of living only tells you so much
Two families moving to the same Australian city can end up with very different monthly expenses.
The calculator helps you put real figures around your own situation, while the accompanying guide explains what can push those numbers up or down, including some of the costs people don’t think to ask about until they arrive.
What you'll get with the 2026 Cost of Living Calculator & Guide
Compare Australian cities
See how rent, utilities, transport, groceries and everyday costs compare across major Australian cities.
Check your salary
See how your income compares with expected living costs and what you may have left each month.
Build your budget
Adjust costs for your household and lifestyle, or see how long your savings could last.
Plan for moving costs
Factor in temporary accommodation, car hire, rental bonds, storage and other costs that come with getting settled.
Build a budget before you make the bigger decisions
Compare cities, adjust the numbers to suit your household, and use the Cost of Living Guide to sense-check your budget before you move.
Because what you can afford is only part of the decision. Where you live also needs to fit your family, commute, schooling, transport and lifestyle.