Cost of Living

Prices of everything from housing to food vary across cities and territories. Your total cost of living therefore depends not only on your lifestyle, but where you live.

We have attempted to provide some ballpark figures, to help you estimate your costs and savings vis-à-vis your earnings. These numbers are national average and are current, valid as of March 2009.

Household Expenses

• Council Rates = $1250 pa
• Water Rates = $850 pa
• Water Usage Charge = $250 pa
• Building Insurance ($325,000 cover) = $550 pa
• Contents Insurance ($85,000 cover) = $410 pa
• Electricity = $1,200 pa
• Gas = $500 pa
• Phone = $600 pa
• Broadband internet = $600 pa

Note: Council rates, water rates and building insurance charges are not payable for rented accommodation.

The numbers provided here are an approximate and general indication of living expenses for a family of four living in an owner-occupied property.