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Cost of Living in Canberra

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia · Population 381,488

▲ +0% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,767 ($1,162)
Couple, monthly$3,230 ($2,125)
Family of four, monthly$4,267 ($2,807)

Estimated Prices in Canberra

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$15.71 ($10.34)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$62.84 ($41.34)per meal
Cappuccino$4.71 ($3.10)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$356 ($234)per month
Monthly public transport pass$57.60 ($37.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$152 ($99.91)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$43.99 ($28.94)per month
Fitness club membership$43.99 ($28.94)per month
Cinema ticket$11.52 ($7.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,034 ($680)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$719 ($473)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,158 ($1,420)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Canberra is $5,478 ($3,604) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,767 ($1,162) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,297 ($1,511) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($719 ($473)) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Canberra

Canberra vs SydneyCanberra vs MelbourneCanberra vs BrisbaneCanberra vs PerthCanberra vs AdelaideCanberra vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Queanbeyan

12 km away · New South Wales

Goulburn

81 km away · New South Wales

Tumut

82 km away · New South Wales

Cooma

104 km away · New South Wales

Batemans Bay

105 km away · New South Wales

Ulladulla

121 km away · New South Wales

Young

134 km away · New South Wales

Moss Vale

141 km away · New South Wales

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

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

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

Wollongong

New South Wales · pop. 261,896

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

Living in Canberra

Canberra is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,767 ($1,162), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $719 ($473) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $4,267 ($2,807) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,230 ($2,125) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Canberra is $5,478 ($3,604). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,297 ($1,511) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canberra expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,767 ($1,162) per month in Canberra including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Canberra?
A net salary of around $2,297 ($1,511) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Canberra with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Canberra is $5,478 ($3,604).
How much is rent in Canberra?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $1,034 ($680) per month in the city centre and $719 ($473) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,158 ($1,420).
Is Canberra cheaper than Australia on average?
No — Canberra is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Australia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Canberra?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $356 ($234) in Canberra. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $16 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $5 ($3).
How do transport costs in Canberra compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Canberra is estimated at $58 ($38). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Canberra are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 381,488). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.