Australia Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$209

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$27

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$56

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$3,529

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Australia Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Australia's cost of living for expats and remote workers is moderately high, with a significant portion of income directed toward utilities and connectivity. While the digital infrastructure is supportive for remote work, inflationary pressures on living costs outpace salary increments, impacting affordability. Investors should consider these dynamics when assessing property investments and potential rental yields in Australia.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $272 per month, which is about 6-8% of the average monthly salary of $3,400.
•Internet and mobile plans average around $85 monthly, making up roughly 2.5% of the average salary, indicating a reasonable cost for connectivity.
•For digital nomads, Australia offers an average internet speed of 58 Mbps, which supports remote work effectively, though at a higher cost compared to other regions.
•Expats should budget approximately $357 monthly for basic utilities and connectivity, which is about 10% of the average income, indicating a need for higher income levels to maintain comfort.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the past 73 years, utility costs have increased at an annual average rate of 5%, outpacing average salary growth of 3%, reflecting decreasing affordability.
•Internet and mobile costs have stabilized in recent years, but overall living costs continue to rise faster than salary increases.
•There has been a shift toward higher costs for utilities and connectivity in urban areas, increasing the living cost disparity between cities and regional areas.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Investors should account for the rising utility costs and their impact on rental yield expectations, especially in high-demand urban areas.
•Expats should aim for positions with salaries exceeding $4,000 monthly to comfortably manage living expenses and still save.
•Digital nomads can benefit from Australia's stable internet but should budget for higher connectivity costs compared to Southeast Asia.
•Consider investing in properties in regional areas where living costs grow slower, offering better affordability and potential for rental growth.

Market Context

Australia's cost of living is higher than many Asian countries but comparable to Western economies like the UK and Canada. The robust digital infrastructure supports remote work, though at a premium. Investors should weigh these costs against potential returns, especially in urban centers.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.