Canberra, Australia
Cost of living · 2024 · Oceania · Rent +6.4% vs 2023
Rent trend in Canberra (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Canberra (2024)
Estimated monthly budget in Canberra
Based on 2024 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2024)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Canberra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | AUD 2,000 | AUD 560 | AUD 75 | AUD 220 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,700 | AUD 545 | AUD 115 | AUD 210 | -15% |
| Brisbane | AUD 2,100 | AUD 560 | AUD 185 | AUD 220 | +5% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 1,900 | AUD 555 | AUD 70 | AUD 215 | -5% |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,400 | AUD 575 | AUD 165 | AUD 230 | +20% |
| Perth | AUD 1,950 | AUD 550 | AUD 160 | AUD 215 | -2.5% |
| Sydney | AUD 2,900 | AUD 620 | AUD 210 | AUD 260 | +45% |
Other Oceania cities (2024)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Canberra in 2024?
In 2024, a single person living in Canberra needs approximately AUD 3,031/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 5,700/month. Canberra is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Canberra in 2024?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs approximately AUD 2,000/month in 2024. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 3,600/month. Rent has changed +6.4% vs 2023.
How much do groceries cost in Canberra?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Canberra are approximately AUD 560 in 2024. 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 75 in 2024, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Canberra?
Monthly utility costs in Canberra average AUD 220 in 2024, 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 2,000/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 3,031/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Canberra?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Canberra costs approximately AUD 22 in 2024. Budget around AUD 176/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 2024, a single person needs approximately AUD 3,031/month. This covers rent (AUD 2,000), groceries (AUD 560), transport (AUD 75), utilities (AUD 220) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 5,700/month.