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Cost of Living in Atherton

Atherton, Queensland, Australia · Population 7,724

▼ -16% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,475 ($971)
Couple, monthly$2,691 ($1,770)
Family of four, monthly$3,550 ($2,335)

Estimated Prices in Atherton

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.34 ($8.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.35 ($35.10)per meal
Cappuccino$4.00 ($2.63)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$302 ($199)per month
Monthly public transport pass$48.91 ($32.18)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$129 ($84.83)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Fitness club membership$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Cinema ticket$9.78 ($6.44)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$843 ($554)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$586 ($386)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,759 ($1,157)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Atherton is $4,651 ($3,060) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,475 ($971) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($586 ($386)) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Atherton

Atherton vs SydneyAtherton vs MelbourneAtherton vs BrisbaneAtherton vs PerthAtherton vs AdelaideAtherton vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Mareeba

32 km away · Queensland

Redlynch

49 km away · Queensland

Cairns

50 km away · Queensland

Innisfail

66 km away · Queensland

Port Douglas

87 km away · Queensland

Ingham

170 km away · Queensland

Georgetown

234 km away · Queensland

Townsville

263 km away · Queensland

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Melbourne

Victoria · pop. 5,350,705

$2,175 ($1,431) / mo

Brisbane

Queensland · pop. 2,706,966

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Atherton

Atherton is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,475 ($971), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $586 ($386) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,550 ($2,335) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,691 ($1,770) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Atherton is $4,651 ($3,060). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atherton expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,475 ($971) per month in Atherton including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Atherton?
A net salary of around $1,918 ($1,262) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Atherton with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Atherton is $4,651 ($3,060).
How much is rent in Atherton?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $843 ($554) per month in the city centre and $586 ($386) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,759 ($1,157).
Is Atherton cheaper than Australia on average?
Yes — Atherton is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Australia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Atherton?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $302 ($199) in Atherton. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Atherton compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Atherton is estimated at $49 ($32). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Atherton are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 7,724). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.