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Cost of living in Canberra
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Canberra.
One person, a month
AUD 1,770
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
AUD 6,270
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
AUD 2,593
A month
Gross salary, one person
AUD 55,000
to cover living costs in Canberra
Canberra's cost of living at a glance
Canberra is one of the most expensive cities in both Australia and Oceania. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Canberra are AUD 1,770, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are AUD 6,270 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Canberra may need a gross salary of at least AUD 55,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in AUD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Canberra compares
One person's monthly costs in Canberra, excluding rent, are 4.3% higher than in the typical city in Australia and 38.0% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Canberra ranks
In Australia
6th of 21
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Oceania
7th of 32
Cities in Oceania with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
90th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 90% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
6th of 21
Cities in Australia, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Canberra
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Canberra | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AUD 2,593 | AUD 2,198 +18.0% | AUD 1,056 +145.5% |
| Groceries | AUD 539 | AUD 506 +6.6% | AUD 400 +34.9% |
| Eating out | AUD 329 | AUD 315 +4.6% | AUD 225 +46.3% |
| Transport | AUD 136 | AUD 114 +18.9% | AUD 56.91 +138.5% |
| Utilities | AUD 306 | AUD 318 −3.7% | AUD 248 +23.2% |
| Leisure | AUD 149 | AUD 106 +40.1% | AUD 88.17 +68.7% |
| Total excluding rent | AUD 1,770 | AUD 1,696 +4.3% | AUD 1,283 +38.0% |
| Total including rent | AUD 4,363 | AUD 4,093 +6.6% | AUD 2,380 +83.3% |
Typical = the median of 21 cities in Australia and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
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Explore prices in Canberra
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Canberra
Canberra is the 6th most expensive city in Australia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Australia is Darwin.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 2,593 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs AUD 2,141 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 21% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AUD 2,593 | AUD 2,045– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AUD 2,141 | AUD 1,738– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AUD 4,443 | AUD 3,292– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AUD 2,858 | AUD 2,658– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | AUD 15,419 | AUD 10,223– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | AUD 9,814 | AUD 6,645– |
Cost of everyday items in Canberra
Groceries in Canberra are around 7% more expensive than the average for Australia, while eating out costs about the same as the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs AUD 2.19.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs AUD 4.38.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs AUD 51.11.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | AUD 2.19 | AUD 1.54– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | AUD 4.38 | AUD 2.25– |
| Eggs, 12 large | AUD 7.13 | AUD 5.11– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | AUD 16.86 | AUD 10.22– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | AUD 13.99 | AUD 12.26– |
| Beef round, 1kg | AUD 25.31 | AUD 15.34– |
| Apples, 1kg | AUD 5.62 | AUD 4.60– |
| Oranges, 1kg | AUD 5.01 | AUD 3.06– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | AUD 3.80 | AUD 2.05– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | AUD 3.91 | AUD 2.96– |
| White rice, 1kg | AUD 3.20 | AUD 1.84– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | AUD 6.79 | AUD 4.91– |
| Bananas, 1kg | AUD 4.68 | AUD 4.08– |
| Onions, 1kg | AUD 4.03 | AUD 2.05– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | AUD 2.13 | AUD 0.92– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | AUD 21.26 | AUD 20.45– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | AUD 6.54 | AUD 5.11– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 7.98 | AUD 7.88– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | AUD 51.11 | AUD 46.00– |
Eating out in Canberra
A 0.5-litre draught beer typically costs AUD 13.29, making Canberra one of the most expensive places in Australia to buy a beer.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | AUD 25.55 | AUD 20.45– |
| Three-course meal for two | AUD 132 | AUD 89.96– |
| Fast food combo meal | AUD 15.34 | AUD 15.34–AUD 15.34 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | AUD 13.29 | AUD 9.21– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 14.31 | AUD 10.22– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 4.48 | AUD 3.98– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | AUD 3.77 | AUD 3.07– |
| Cappuccino | AUD 5.63 | AUD 4.71– |
Transport in Canberra
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | AUD 4.25 | AUD 3.40– |
| Monthly public transport pass | AUD 136 | AUD 136– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | AUD 1.89 | AUD 1.66– |
| Taxi start | AUD 5.93 | AUD 5.93– |
| Taxi, per km | AUD 2.35 | AUD 2.35– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | AUD 63.17 | AUD 63.17–AUD 63.17 |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | AUD 39,551 | AUD 39,551– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | AUD 43,922 | AUD 37,236– |
Utilities in Canberra
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | AUD 270 | AUD 184– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | AUD 81.44 | AUD 71.55– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | AUD 44.32 | AUD 20.45– |
How is Canberra for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of AUD 134,000 a year in Canberra, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AUD 3,488 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 4,443 a month.
Canberra scores 72/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AUD 6,270 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AUD 10,713 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | AUD 3,488 | AUD 3,169– |
| International primary school Annual | AUD 28,777 | AUD 16,561– |
Leisure and clothing in Canberra
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | AUD 108 | AUD 65.50– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | AUD 40.41 | AUD 32.71– |
| Cinema ticket | AUD 22.49 | AUD 20.45– |
| Jeans | AUD 115 | AUD 81.78– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | AUD 85.67 | AUD 51.11– |
| Nike running shoes | AUD 172 | AUD 123– |
| Men's leather business shoes | AUD 199 | AUD 132– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Canberra?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Australia, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Canberra. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Canberra, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
AUD 55,471
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Canberra, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- AUD 46,932
- Living costs
- AUD 46,932
- Tax and contributions
- AUD 8,539
Where your salary goes
- Living costsAUD 46,93284.6%
- Income tax and contributionsAUD 8,53915.4%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | AUD 55,471 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | AUD 8,539 |
| = | Take-home pay | AUD 46,932 |
| − | Rent | AUD 25,695 |
| − | Groceries | AUD 6,468 |
| − | Eating out | AUD 3,952 |
| − | Transport | AUD 1,629 |
| − | Utilities | AUD 3,673 |
| − | Leisure | AUD 1,785 |
| − | Other estimated costs | AUD 3,730 |
| = | Left over: savings target | AUD 0 |
AUD 55,471 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 15.4% effective tax rate and AUD 8,539 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2025/26
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Canberra costs an estimated AUD 2,141 per month. AUD 2,141 per month × 12 months = AUD 25,695 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Canberra spends an estimated AUD 539 on groceries per month. AUD 539 per month × 12 months = AUD 6,468 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Canberra spends an estimated AUD 329 on eating out per month. AUD 329 per month × 12 months = AUD 3,952 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Canberra spends an estimated AUD 136 on transport per month. AUD 136 per month × 12 months = AUD 1,629 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Canberra spends an estimated AUD 306 on utilities per month. AUD 306 per month × 12 months = AUD 3,673 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Canberra spends an estimated AUD 149 on leisure per month. AUD 149 per month × 12 months = AUD 1,785 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. AUD 311 per month × 12 months = AUD 3,730 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2025/26. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Resident rates for 2025/26 financial year (1 Jul 2025 – 30 Jun 2026). Stage 3 tax cuts apply from 1 Jul 2024. Excludes Low Income Tax Offset (LITO, max AUD 700) and Medicare Levy Surcharge (1–1.5% for high earners without private health cover).
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Australia's tax rules for 2025/26 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / ATO.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Canberra: common questions
Is Canberra expensive to live in?
Canberra is one of the most expensive cities in both Australia and Oceania.
A single person spends about AUD 1,770 a month excluding rent, against AUD 1,696 in the typical city in Australia (the median of 21 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Canberra costs the same as or more than 90% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Canberra?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least AUD 55,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Canberra, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Australia's tax rules for 2025/26. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Canberra?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AUD 2,593 a month, and AUD 2,141 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about AUD 4,443 a month in the centre and AUD 2,858 outside it.
Canberra is the 6th most expensive city in Australia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Canberra?
A family of four spends about AUD 6,270 a month on living costs excluding rent, or AUD 10,713 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of AUD 134,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AUD 3,488 a month per child.
How does Canberra compare with Australia's other cities?
Canberra ranks 6th of 21 cities in Australia for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 4.3% more than in the typical city in Australia.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Australia 2025/26
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Australia (2025/26). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 21 cities in Australia in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Canberra's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Australia and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.