A Simple Guide for Travellers & Working Holiday Makers
Thinking about moving to Australia? Whether you’re coming for a Working Holiday, as a student, or just for an epic adventure, it’s super important to know how much life here will cost. 💼🌏 Australia offers great wages—but also higher living costs. Don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down for
you, city by city. Let’s go! 👇
SYDNEY: Expensive but Full of Energy
Sydney is Australia’s biggest and most expensive city—but also full of opportunities, jobs, beaches,
and exciting city life.
🏠 Rent & Accommodation
Finding a place to live in Sydney can be competitive, and rent is one of the biggest expenses. Many newcomers start in hostels or temporary Airbnb rentals before securing a long-term place.
● Hostel (shared room): $250 – $400/week
● Room in a sharehouse: $350 – $500/week
● Studio/1-bed apartment: $650 – $1,200/week
● Suburbs (like Parramatta, Inner West): $450 – $800/week 🚍 Transport
Public transport in Sydney is extensive but can be pricey. The Opal card is used for buses, trains, ferries, and light rail.
● Opal Card: $50 – $80/week
● Single bus/train ride: $3 – $5
● Uber (10 km): $20 – $40
● Fuel (petrol): ~$2.00/L
● Bike rental: $3 – $7/day
● Car rental (long term): $300 – $600/month 🍔 Food & Groceries Sydney offers a mix of supermarkets, fresh markets, and takeaway options.
● Groceries (Coles/Woolies/Aldi): $80 – $150/week
● Cheap meal (sushi, kebab): $10 – $15
● Restaurant meal: $25 – $50
● Coffee: $4.50 – $6
● Fresh Produce at Markets: $30 – $60 per week – Paddy’s Market and farmer’s markets offer fresh and cheap options. 🎉 Lifestyle & Entertainment
● Gym Membership: $15 – $40 per week – Budget gyms like Anytime Fitness and Jetts are cheaper.
● Movie Ticket: $20 – $25 – Discounts are available on Tuesdays.
● Night Out (drinks, entry fees, etc.): $50 – $100 – Sydney’s nightlife is vibrant but pricey.
● Concerts & Events: $50 – $200 per ticket – Big-name artists and festivals can be expensive.
● Free Activities: Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden, free museum days, and coastal walks.
🎨 MELBOURNE: Trendy, Cultural & Creative
Melbourne is known for its cultural scene, creativity, and more affordable living compared to Sydney.
The city has a relaxed vibe with plenty of job opportunities.
🏠 Rent & Accommodation
Melbourne is generally cheaper than Sydney but can still be expensive depending on the area.
● Hostel (shared room): $200 – $350/week
● Room in a sharehouse: $300 – $450/week
● Studio/1-bed apartment: $500 – $900/week
● Suburbs (like Brunswick, Footscray): $400 – $650/week 🚋 Transport
Melbourne’s transport system is well-established, with trams, trains, and buses.
● Myki Card: $40 – $60/week
● Single ride (tram/train): $4 – $6
● Uber (10 km): $15 – $30
● Fuel: $1.80 – $2.10/L
● Bike rental: $5 – $10/day
● Car rental (long term): $250 – $500/month 🍕 Food & Groceries
Melbourne offers a fantastic food scene, from cheap eats to fine dining.
● Grocery Shopping: $70 – $130 per week – Aldi is popular for lower prices.
● Cheap Meal (Fast food): $8 – $15 – Street food, pizza, and takeaway are affordable.
● Restaurant Meal: $20 – $45 per person – Melbourne has a wide range of options, from budget to luxury.
● Coffee: $3.50 – $5 – Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture.
● Fresh Produce at Markets: $25 – $50 per week – Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce. 🎶 Lifestyle & Entertainment
● Free art shows, rooftop bars, and loads of events
● Creative, multicultural, and friendly for backpackers!
🌞 BRISBANE: Affordable & Relaxed
Brisbane is warm, laid-back, and easier on the wallet. Perfect for a more chill lifestyle with access to nature and beaches.
🏠 Rent & Accommodation
Brisbane is very affordable for those looking to stay long-term.
● Shared Room in a Hostel: $150 – $300 per week
● Renting a Room in a Sharehouse: $250 – $400 per week
● Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $400 – $750 per week
● Outside the city (Logan, Ipswich, Redcliffe): $300 – $600 per week 🚎 Transport
Brisbane’s public transport system is comprehensive and affordable.
● Go Card (Public Transport Pass): $40 – $70 per week
● Ferry Ride: $3 – $6
● Uber (10 km trip): $15 – $30
● Petrol: $1.80 – $2.10 per litre 🥗 Food & Lifestyle
Brisbane offers affordable food options and a laid-back vibe.
● Groceries: $70 – $130 per week
● Eating Out: $10 – $30 per meal
● Nightlife: $30 – $80 per night
● Free Activities: South Bank Lagoon, Mt Coot-tha hikes, and city markets.
🌅 PERTH: Isolated but Well-Paid
Perth feels a bit further out but has high wages, beautiful beaches, and lower rent. A great spot if you’re into nature and peace.
🏠 Rent & Accommodation
Perth’s rent is affordable, especially for those in sharehouses.
● Shared Room in a Hostel: $150 – $250 per week
● Renting a Room in a Sharehouse: $200 – $350 per week
● Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $400 – $800 per week 🚐 Transport
Public transport in Perth is affordable, but many prefer renting cars for weekend trips.
● SmartRider Card (Public Transport Pass): $30 – $60 per week
● Uber (10 km trip): $20 – $40
● Petrol: $1.90 – $2.20 per litre
🎭 ADELAIDE: Chill & Budget-Friendly
AAdelaide is Australia’s best-kept secret—super affordable, full of festivals, and great for nature lovers.
🏠 Rent & Accommodation
Adelaide offers the lowest rent prices in Australia’s major cities.
● Shared Room in a Hostel: $120 – $250 per week
● Renting a Room in a Sharehouse: $200 – $350 per week
● Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $350 – $700 per week 🚃 Transport
Adelaide’s public transport system is the cheapest among major cities.
● MetroCard (Public Transport Pass): $20 – $50 per week
● Uber (10 km trip): $10 – $25
● Petrol: $1.80 – $2.00 per litre 🧀 Food & Fun
Adelaide is known for its affordable living and great food scene.
● Groceries: $60 – $120 per week
● Eating Out: $10 – $25 per meal
● Nightlife: $20 – $70 per night
● Free Activities: Glenelg Beach, Adelaide Hills, Botanic Gardens.
Quick City Comparison
City Rent (Single) Transport Groceries Nightlife
Sydney $$$$ $$$ $$$ $$$$
Melbourne $$$ $$ $$ $$$
Brisbane $$ $ $$ $$
Perth $$ $$ $$ $$$
Adelaide $ $ $ $$
✨ Final Tips Before You Land in Oz
✔️ Book short-term stays first (hostels or Airbnbs)
✔️ Compare suburbs before choosing where to live
✔️ Use public transport cards (Opal, Myki, etc.)
✔️ Shop at markets and cook your own meals
✔️ Enjoy the free stuff—beaches, hikes, festivals!
💬 Need Help Planning Your Move?
At Oz Onboard, we help travellers like you make the most of their time in Australia—without the stress. Whether it’s sorting your accommodation, job search, or arrival tips—we got you! 💚
👉 Check Fresh Start kit or Melbourne Arrival Essentials or reach out for a free consultation.
