Cost of Living in Canberra: Is Australia’s Capital Worth the Price?

As the owner of an interstate removalist company in Perth, I have assisted innumerable families, students, and professionals with their big move to Canberra.

The most frequent question I hear before a relocation is: Is Canberra an expensive place to live? The answer is, it can, but then you have to be comparing it to something. The cost of living in Canberra is generally higher than the Australian average, especially for housing and groceries.

The average rent and house prices in Canberra are both among the highest in the country. However, the Canberra median income and average salary are also higher than most other cities, which helps balance things out.

From my experience as a Perth interstate removalist, those who move to Canberra from Perth and vice versa rarely regret it. The city might cost a bit more to live in, but what you get in return makes it a move worth making.

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Housing is one of the largest factors to consider when assessing the cost of living in Canberra. Canberra is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in Australia. Yet it is also associated with high living standards, robust infrastructure, and reliable employment, making it a good place to reside long-term.

Rental Prices

The average rent in Canberra is high, as demand is high and vacancies are low. By 2025, the ACT cost of living shows that Canberra’s rental market remains high.

Apartment Size	City Centre Estimate	Outside City Centre Estimate
1-Bedroom Apartment	AUD 2,400 (~AUD 345–460/week)	AUD 1,800 (~AUD 320/week)
3-Bedroom Apartment	AUD 4,479.67 (~AUD 630/week)	AUD 2,666.67 (~AUD 470/week)

Suburbs such as Kingston and Braddon are appealing to professionals who want to be close to the Canberra CBD and stay in modern apartments, but at a high cost. In the meantime, Belconnen and Tuggeranong are family- and student-friendly due to their lower rates and community atmosphere.

Explorecity.life says that a 1-bedroom in the centre will cost about AUD 1700/month, whereas a suburban apartment will cost about AUD 1400/month.

When the question “Is Canberra expensive to live in?” comes up. The answer is yes, particularly regarding tenants. Nonetheless, salaries are quite high, with the Canberra median income at about AUD 1,250-1,400 per week, according to the ABS. The Canberra average salary is higher, compensating for the city’s high housing prices.

Buying Property in Canberra

Canberra property prices are high, making them unaffordable for many individuals seeking to buy. The average house price in Canberra is around the million-dollar mark, and apartments offer a lower entry point to the market.

Buy Apartment	Price
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment in City Centre	AUD $211,416.67
Price per Square Metre to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	AUD $7,377.78

Utilities and Internet Costs

When evaluating the cost of living in Canberra, utilities and internet are important, though more predictable than housing costs. The following is a breakdown of the average monthly expenditure of households in the ACT, how it changes throughout the year, and how it compares with other cities in Australia.

Average Monthly Costs (2025 Estimates)

Here are typical utility and internet costs in Canberra according to Cities Insider:

Utility / Service	Typical Monthly Cost
Electricity & Gas (combined)	~ AUD 150-250/month
Water & Waste (sewerage, garbage)	~ AUD 50-80/month
Internet – home broadband (unlimited)	~ AUD 70-100/month
Mobile phone plan (10GB+ data)	~ AUD 30-60/month

Seasonal Differences

• Canberra in winter may cause a substantial rise in electrical (and gas) consumption as the temperatures drop and heating is required. energyse.com.au.
• One article noted that from July 2025, bills are expected to rise by ~10% in the ACT, meaning utilities will contribute more to the Canberra cost of living going forward.
• According to one article, beginning in July 2025, the bill will increase by about 10% in ACT, implying that utilities will hike the Canberra cost of living in the future.

When determining whether Canberra is expensive to live in terms of utility, you will need to spend more during colder seasons.

Groceries and Dining Costs

When considering the cost of living in Canberra, groceries and dining out are key budget items. Below is an updated look at what you might expect to pay when you live in Canberra and buy food, both at home and when eating out.

Average Prices of Common Staples

Here are some sample staple item prices in Canberra according to Numbeo to give you a sense of cost when evaluating your budget:

Item	Approximate Price in Canberra
1 L of whole milk	~ AUD 2.00–3.00
Loaf of fresh white bread (500 g)	~ AUD 3.70
12 large eggs	~ AUD 6.30
Chicken fillets (0.20 kg)	~ AUD 2.81 (→ ~ AUD 14.05/kg)
Beef round (0.10 kg)	AUD 2.39 (→ ~ AUD 23.90/kg)
Apples (0.25 kg)	~ AUD 1.25

Also worth noting: groceries in Canberra are slightly more expensive than the Australian average — the site Budget Direct estimates grocery prices in Canberra are ~5.37% higher than the national average.

Transportation Costs

When one is going to, or planning to go to Canberra, transportation should not be about only bus fare, but also about fuel, parking, and the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the mode.

Selecting a suburb where public transportation (bus/light rail) is well available or where you can ride to work on a bicycle can also save your transport expenses and enhance your general budget.

Here’s a breakdown of transport costs:

Item	Approximate Price in Canberra
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)	~ AUD 5.00
Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price)	~ AUD 188.00
Taxi Start (Standard Tariff)	~ AUD 6.15
Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff)	~ AUD 2.85
Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff)	~ AUD 62.50
Gasoline (1 Liter)	~ AUD 1.78
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car)	~ AUD 44,423.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-size Car)	~ AUD 35,250.00

Healthcare and Insurance Costs

Medicare provides Australians with access to many necessary health services. When you’re enrolled in Medicare, “we pay some or all of the cost of your necessary health care.”

Covered services include: visiting a GP or specialist, tests and scans (e.g., X-rays), all hospital operations, and eye tests by optometrists.

Medicare does not cover everything. For example, ambulance services, most dental services, glasses and contact lenses, hearing aids or cosmetic surgery are not fully covered.

For hospital care: if you are a public patient in a public hospital, Medicare covers your hospital treatment. If you are admitted as a private patient, Medicare covers part (e.g., 75 % of the schedule fee), and you or your private insurance pays the rest.

Cost of Private Health Insurance in the ACT / Canberra

In the ACT (which incorporates Canberra), the cost of private health insurance is the same as in NSW, since most funds charge their policies similarly across these areas.

If you live in Canberra and want private insurance, expect to pay AUD $250-350/month (or more), depending on the level of cover and your circumstances.

It is prudent to include private health insurance in your monthly spending, especially if you wish to use private hospital facilities, have additional coverage (dental, physio, optical), or reduce waiting times.

You can use the Australian Government’s medical costs finder to find the average costs of GP and specialist services. Medical Costs Finder

Education Costs

As a student (local or international), considering the cost of living in Canberra, expect tuition fees and significant living expenses.

To families, education (early-childhood and schooling) is a significant factor in the ACT cost of living, particularly when you select privately-provided or full-time childcare.

There are subsidies (childcare/preschool and schooling support) that can help you pay less, so it is worth looking into.

For Students

• International tuition fees depend on the program at the Australian National University (ANU); many of their bachelor’s degrees are between AUD 43,000 and 53,000 annually in 2025.
• For domestic students at UC, many undergraduate places are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which means fees are subsidised.
• ANU also estimates that a student living independently in Canberra will likely require AUD 32000-38000 a year (about AUD 615-730 a week) to cover essential living expenses: housing, food, utilities, etc.

For Families

• In the case of preschool in the ACT, there are subsidies in place: families of three-year-old children under the care of a long day care/preschool program that participates in the scheme may receive a subsidy of up to AUD 2,575 in fee relief in 2025.
• Mean childcare price: ANU mentions that childcare in Canberra costs an estimated AUD 790 per week (November 2024) as one of the living cost directives.
• The ACT government provides support for families’ schooling costs through the Future of Education Equity Fund, which helps eligible families cover these costs.
• The cost of private school can vary widely; thus, the budget should be allocated based on the specific school and grade level.

Category	Estimate
Student domestic tuition	Subsidised for CSP students at UC/ANU
Student international tuition	AUD ~43,000-53,000/year (ANU example)
Student living costs	~ AUD 32,000-38,000/year
Childcare cost (ACT)	~ AUD 790/week
Preschool subsidy	Up to ~ AUD 2,575 in 2025 (for 3-yr-olds)

Entertainment and Lifestyle Costs

Lifestyle and entertainment costs are also part of the cost of living in Canberra.

The Canberra lifestyle expenses (gym, cinema, recreation) are considered mid-range compared with housing and utilities, but they add up unless you control them.

Canberra’s average salary and good standard of living have enabled most residents to lead a good lifestyle (although it is important to budget).

Sports And Leisure	Estimates
Monthly Fitness Club Membership	~ AUD 93.68
Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)	~ AUD 31.67
Cinema Ticket (International Release)	~ AUD 21.00

Enjoy Canberra to The Fullest with Relocations WA

It is undeniable that the cost of living in Canberra is higher than the national average, as houses, groceries, and even utilities can be a notch pricier. But what you get in return is one of the highest qualities of life in the country.

Canberra is balanced, safe and clean. It has short commutes, numerous public amenities, and lots of green space, making it a city where people can, in fact, breathe.

Living together, shopping local, and taking public transportation are just some of the ways to keep the ACT cost of living manageable without missing out on anything the city has to offer. The Canberra average salary and median income can also serve as a buffer to the increased prices, so that you can comfortably live once you settle in.

As the owner of Relocations WA, I understand that interstate moving is not just about transporting furniture. Our team will offer full-service interstate removals, including packing and unpacking, transport, and storage.

Get in touch with Relocations WA to receive a free interstate moving quote and a personalised relocation plan. We will take care of the logistics, and you can get down to the business of beginning your new life chapter and enjoying Canberra to the fullest.