Canberra, Australia
Cost of living · 2023 · Oceania · Rent +6.8% vs 2022
Rent trend in Canberra (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Canberra (2023)
Estimated monthly budget in Canberra
Based on 2023 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2023)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Canberra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | AUD 1,880 | AUD 526 | AUD 71 | AUD 207 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,598 | AUD 512 | AUD 108 | AUD 197 | -15% |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,974 | AUD 526 | AUD 174 | AUD 207 | +5% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 1,786 | AUD 522 | AUD 66 | AUD 202 | -5% |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,256 | AUD 541 | AUD 155 | AUD 216 | +20% |
| Perth | AUD 1,833 | AUD 517 | AUD 150 | AUD 202 | -2.5% |
| Sydney | AUD 2,726 | AUD 583 | AUD 197 | AUD 244 | +45% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Canberra in 2023?
In 2023, a single person living in Canberra needs approximately AUD 2,849/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 5,358/month. Canberra is considered a mid-range city by global standards.
How much is rent in Canberra in 2023?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs approximately AUD 1,880/month in 2023. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 3,384/month. Rent has changed +6.8% vs 2022.
How much do groceries cost in Canberra?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Canberra are approximately AUD 526 in 2023. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Canberra?
A monthly public transport pass in Canberra costs AUD 71 in 2023, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Canberra?
Monthly utility costs in Canberra average AUD 207 in 2023, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Canberra expensive to live in?
Canberra is located in Australia (Oceania). With a 1-bed rent of AUD 1,880/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 2,849/month, it is mid-range by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Canberra?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Canberra costs approximately AUD 21 in 2023. Budget around AUD 165/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Canberra changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Canberra from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 21.5% over this period (from AUD 1,760 in 2022 to AUD 2,138 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Canberra?
To live comfortably in Canberra in 2023, a single person needs approximately AUD 2,849/month. This covers rent (AUD 1,880), groceries (AUD 526), transport (AUD 71), utilities (AUD 207) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 5,358/month.