Ready to Go to Australia
Cost of Living
The Australian unit of currency is the Australian dollar, which we abbreviate as $A. Exchange rates can fluctuate on a daily basis. You can check today's rate by visiting this exchange rate currency calculator.
The prices listed below are provided to help you estimate expenses, though may vary slightly according to city. You may wish to also visit the Planning a Budget page for further information.
Special note: Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 10% tax on all goods and services (food, consumables, transportation and utilities). This affects all of the prices below and therefore your budget.
Everyday Items
|
Tipping (exceptional service)
|
10-15%
|
Phone Call
|
$A0.40
|
Airmail Postage (US)
|
$A1.60 for letter/postcard
|
Haircut
|
$A35-70
|
Cinema
|
$A18, $A15 for student ticket
|
Concert Tickets
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$A45 and up, depending on seats
|
Sports Event
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$A40 and up, depending on seats
|
Hairdryer
|
$A20-30
|
Curling Iron or Straightener
|
$A25-30
|
Batteries
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$A10 for 4 AA batteries, $A6 for 2 C batteries
|
Notebooks
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$A4
|
Ballpoint pens
|
$A4
|
Commuter Rail Ticket
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$A2.80-$A6.60 (one-way)
|
City Bus Fare
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$A1.60-$A4.80
|
Meals in Restaurants
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Fine Restaurant
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$A20+
|
Modest Restaurant
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$A8+
|
Fast Food
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$A4+
|
University Refectory
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$A2.50+
|
Groceries
Fruits and Vegetables are per kilo or = 2 lbs
|
Apples
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$A3
|
Bananas
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$A3.50
|
Grapefruit
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$A2
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Oranges
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$A2.50
|
Grapes
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$A5
|
Lettuce
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$A2
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Tomatoes
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$A9
|
Potatoes
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$A2.50
|
Bread
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$A4
|
Eggs
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$A3
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Cookies
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$A2
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Candy Bar
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$A1
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Gum
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$A2
|
Bottle of Soda
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$A3
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Toothpaste
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$A3
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Toothbrush
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$A2.50
|
275 Facial Tissues
|
$A3
|
375 ml Shampoo
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$A4
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