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Cost of Living in Mount Isa

Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia · Population 17,936

▼ -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 Mount Isa

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 Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa

Mount Isa vs SydneyMount Isa vs MelbourneMount Isa vs BrisbaneMount Isa vs PerthMount Isa vs AdelaideMount Isa vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Cloncurry

105 km away · Queensland

Camooweal

170 km away · Queensland

Boulia

245 km away · Queensland

Burketown

335 km away · Queensland

Richmond

379 km away · Queensland

Karumba

387 km away · Queensland

Bedourie

403 km away · Queensland

Winton

411 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 Mount Isa

Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,475 ($971) per month in Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa?
A net salary of around $1,918 ($1,262) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mount Isa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mount Isa is $4,651 ($3,060).
How much is rent in Mount Isa?
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 Mount Isa cheaper than Australia on average?
Yes — Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $302 ($199) in Mount Isa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Mount Isa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mount Isa is estimated at $49 ($32). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mount Isa are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 17,936). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.