Canberra, Australia
Cost of living · 2026 · Oceania · Rent +2.8% vs 2025
Rent trend in Canberra (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Canberra (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Canberra
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Australia (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Canberra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | AUD 2,138 | AUD 599 | AUD 80 | AUD 235 | — |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,818 | AUD 583 | AUD 123 | AUD 225 | -15% |
| Brisbane | AUD 2,245 | AUD 599 | AUD 198 | AUD 235 | +5% |
| Gold Coast | AUD 2,031 | AUD 593 | AUD 75 | AUD 230 | -5% |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,566 | AUD 615 | AUD 176 | AUD 246 | +20% |
| Perth | AUD 2,085 | AUD 588 | AUD 171 | AUD 230 | -2.5% |
| Sydney | AUD 3,100 | AUD 663 | AUD 225 | AUD 278 | +45% |
Other Oceania cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Canberra in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Canberra needs approximately AUD 3,241/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around AUD 6,094/month. Canberra is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Canberra in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs approximately AUD 2,138/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around AUD 3,849/month. Rent has changed +2.8% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Canberra?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Canberra are approximately AUD 599 in 2026. 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 80 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Canberra?
Monthly utility costs in Canberra average AUD 235 in 2026, 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 2,138/month and total single-person expenses around AUD 3,241/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 24 in 2026. Budget around AUD 188/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 2026, a single person needs approximately AUD 3,241/month. This covers rent (AUD 2,138), groceries (AUD 599), transport (AUD 80), utilities (AUD 235) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around AUD 6,094/month.