Cost of Living in Australia

Transportation expenses can be expensive due to the long distances, but petrol is reasonably cheap.

The welcoming sunny shores of Australia should not be your only reason for moving - you might find yourself earning less and paying more taxes. Incomes vary, as does your spending capability. All of Australia's major cities made it to the top 30 list of best places for expatriates to live. When it comes to purchasing power, Australia is a notch higher than the United Kingdom. Some of the notable cities that boast quality living and expenses are Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Moreover, there are financial and educational benefits provided to every citizen. Note that apart from housing, the cost of living does not vary that much from city to city.

Food                                                                  

An average family of four should expect to spend approximately 500 Euro every month on food and drinks.

• Daily meal in the business district in Australia - AUD$23.00
• Dinner for two in an Italian restaurant with wine and dessert will - AUD$105

Lamb and beef, which are acquired and processed locally, are the usual meats available in the market, while fish is cheap. Fruits and vegetables are very easy to come by. Australian wine is also very affordable. With cow ranches located throughout the country, milk and beef are the cheapest commodities. Aside from exporting milk and beef (which make world-famous steaks), Australia is also known for their exotic products like kangaroo meat and King Island cheeses.

New South Wales offers rock oysters and Illabo milk-fed lamb, Victoria offers Meredith lamb and Gippsland beef, South Australia is known for its scallops and tuna while Queensland produces fruits like Bowen mangoes and papaya. Other exotic food products are crocodile, shark, ostrich and emu meat. Everything acquired locally is affordable. On the other hand, imported products like cereals, biscuits, beer and fish cost more.

Clothing

Like in any other country, locally made clothes and items are much cheaper than imported items. Secondhand shops and bazaars offer a variety of local accessories from bead necklaces and bracelets to wooden earrings and anklets that all have aboriginal roots. Victoria remains the centre of fashion in Australia. The clothes and accessories designed by local designers are pricey, as they are targeted for export.

Housing

There are several housing and property options available in Australia. You can choose from single room apartments to small houses with yard space to huge areas or condominiums downtown. Land is in excess in comparison to the number of residents in any given state. Housing in major cities will cost more compared to living out in the province and farmlands. On average, a family of four will spend around 400 euros every month on rental or a mortgage. Utility costs are reasonable, and some states provide free clean water to residents. A typical family will have a bill of around 100 euros every month for electricity and water.

Service Costs

The Australian government provides National Health Service to all citizens and immigrants. Health services are subsidised, and all medical services, pharmaceuticals and health institutions are provided with financial assistance. Almost 10% of the country's per capita GDP goes to the health sector.

Australia also places great importance on education and every individual up to 17 years of age is legally obliged to stay in school. Public schools are free and additional allowances are provided to students. Students can also opt to study in private institutions and universities provided that they pay their tuition back once they start working.