Cost of Living in Australia for Engineers: A 2025 Roadmap

Following are some key influences that affect Australia’s cost of living:

1. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation expenses play an integral part in increasing Australia’s cost of living, taking up a significant chunk of one’s paycheck compared to other expenses. 

Here are the average costs associated with lodging:

Note: Rent and housing expenses depend on economic factors, interest rates, government policies and external influences like supply and demand as well as population growth.

2. Food and Grocery Expenses

In Australia, living costs are significantly influenced by daily expenses such as food and supplies. By monitoring these expenses, you can gain insight into the market and adjust your budget accordingly.

The Food Price Index (FPI) monitors the fluctuations in the average prices of food items over time, offering a comprehensive understanding of the disparities between market prices.

The typical cost of food and grocery expenses is as follows: 

Note: Food prices can fluctuate due to various factors, including seasonal changes, supply chain disruptions and economic conditions. Major cities typically experience higher food costs compared to their regional counterparts.

3. Transportation Expenses

Transit costs depend on whether you utilize public transportation or a private vehicle.

Fuel and motor servicing costs, influenced by global energy prices, taxes, and government regulations, are a component of personal vehicle ownership. Conversely, the cost of public transportation is contingent upon the distance travelled, the mode of transportation employed, and the availability of discounts.

This is the typical cost, which is determined by the mode of transportation: 

Vehicle Ownership Expenses: 

Additionally vehicle ownership involves additional expenses such as registration, insurance, maintenance, and parking fees.

The average expenses associated with vehicle ownership are as follows: 

4. Utility Expenditure

Utility expenditures cover utilities such as electricity, water, gas and internet service for a property’s needs. Expenses may differ based on its size, location and inflation rate of its inflation rate country of residence. 

Here is the estimated average cost of utility expenditures:

5. Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare expenses in Australia are relatively high and cover medical care, medications, and insurance.

Here’s an overview of the average cost of healthcare expenses:-

Healthcare costs vary significantly by geographic location, service required, individual circumstances and coverage provided. International students should obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), typically including emergency and outpatient medical treatment and some outpatient services. Health insurance is often preferred for non-emergency situations, such as treatment plans or services offered privately, as it covers more comprehensively.

6. Educational Costs

The costs associated with migrating depend on both your institution and program selection. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to charge higher academic charges due to their world-class facilities.

Here is the average cost of education:

7. Taxation

Taxation typically varies based on your income level and includes several types, such as income tax, goods and services tax (GST), capital gains tax, and property tax.

The following are Australian income tax rates for 2024-25:

Australia has a progressive tax system, which means that individuals with higher incomes are faced with higher tax rates.

8. Entertainment and Leisure Activities

Watching films, exploring the outdoors and travelling are popular entertainment and leisure activities in Australia.

These activities serve as valuable outlets for a balanced lifestyle, providing relaxation, enjoyment, and personal fulfilment.

Here is the average expense for entertainment and leisure activities.