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📊 City Cost Comparison 2025
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Cost of Living in Australia 2025: City-by-City Comparison
The cost of living varies significantly across Australian cities — primarily driven by housing costs. Sydney remains Australia's most expensive city for renters and buyers, while Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin typically offer lower overall living costs. The post-COVID inflation surge of 2022-2023 increased costs in all cities, though the rate has moderated to around 3-4% in 2025.
Average Weekly Costs 2025 (Single Person, Renting)
| City | Rent (1BR inner) | Groceries/wk | Transport/wk | Total Est. (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $620–$700/wk | $150 | $45 | $4,200–$4,800 |
| Melbourne | $500–$570/wk | $145 | $50 | $3,600–$4,100 |
| Brisbane | $520–$580/wk | $140 | $40 | $3,500–$4,000 |
| Perth | $500–$560/wk | $145 | $40 | $3,400–$3,900 |
| Adelaide | $430–$480/wk | $135 | $35 | $3,000–$3,400 |
| Canberra | $480–$540/wk | $150 | $40 | $3,400–$3,800 |
Estimates based on ABS and REA data. Individual costs vary significantly based on lifestyle, location within city, and personal spending. Updated June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city to live in Australia in 2025?
Adelaide is consistently Australia's most affordable major city for renters and buyers in 2025, with median rents approximately 30-35% lower than Sydney. Hobart and Darwin also offer lower costs but have smaller job markets. Within the major eastern cities, Perth has emerged as more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne despite rapid price growth in recent years.
How much has the cost of living increased in Australia since 2020?
Australian CPI increased approximately 19-22% from 2020 to 2025. The most significant increases were in housing (rent up 30-40% in most cities), food (+22%), insurance (+35%), and utilities (+25%). Grocery prices are approximately 25-30% higher than 2020. Annual CPI growth has moderated from the 7.8% peak in 2022 to approximately 3.5-4% by mid-2025.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Sydney in 2025?
For a single person renting in Sydney's inner suburbs, a comfortable income is approximately $85,000–$100,000 before tax ($65,000–$75,000 after tax). This covers rent of $600-$700/week plus living expenses of $1,200-$1,500/month. For a couple with children, comfortable household income is typically $160,000–$200,000 in Sydney to cover rent, childcare, food and lifestyle costs.