Published by: Team RemovalsPublished on: January 22, 2026

Adelaide Cost of Living Breakdown: From Rent to Transport and Daily Expenses in 2026

Adelaide is the South Australian capital and is listed among the world’s most livable cities. Because the city has a vibrant culture, a welcoming community, and beautiful surroundings, it is an attractive place to live, work, and enjoy life. Along with its modern economy and well-developed infrastructure, Adelaide offers plenty of opportunities for education and careers.

However, living in such a vibrant city comes with its own set of expenses, and knowing them will help you budget properly, so you won’t spend sleepless nights worrying about money.

We will provide a detailed analysis (including rent, bills, transport, food, and daily small expenses) of the cost of living in Adelaide in this blog. How much rent should you expect to pay? What are the bills and transportation costs? And how much are bills on top of rent? We also mention many government schemes that may help you afford an extra bit of convenience and offer helpful tips to make your move easier, cheaper, and smoother.

What Is The Cost Of Living in Adelaide, Australia?

It’s usually the first question anyone asks when they want to move to Adelaide. By all reports and surveys, Adelaide’s average cost of living is approximately AU$1,500 to AU$3,000 per month. That includes the basics like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and daily little expenses. But the figure can differ depending on your lifestyle, individual preferences, and family situation. However, this estimate provides a realistic sense that anyone planning to move to or settle in Adelaide can use as a guide; the detailed breakdown is provided below.

1. Average Cost of Accommodation in Adelaide

It’s not just about choosing a place to live when it comes to finding your dream home in Adelaide – it’s about the balance between budget, location, and lifestyle.

There is a wide range of housing options to choose from: city-centre apartments and single-family homes in suburban areas.

Average Rent in Adelaide Per Week

Location/Suburbs	1-Bedroom	2-Bedroom	3-Bedroom	Notes / Tips
CBD	AUD 350–450	AUD 450–600	AUD 500–700	Prime location; higher rents in Unley Park & North Adelaide
Inner Suburbs (Glenelg, Norwood, Prospect)	AUD 300–400	AUD 400–550	AUD 500–700	Convenient for work, cafes, and amenities
Outer Suburbs (Salisbury, Elizabeth, Morphett Vale)	AUD 250–350	AUD 350–450	AUD 400–500	More affordable, still connected by public transport

Note: Many CBD and inner‑city suburbs command higher rents due to location demand. Some premium locales like Unley Park have houses renting for above AUD 1,000/week.

2. Buying Property

1. Houses (Median Price)

Location	1-Bedroom	Notes / Tips
Inner Suburbs	AUD 900,000–1,200,000	Premium areas have higher prices
Middle Suburbs	AUD 700,000–900,000	Good balance of affordability & amenities
Outer Suburbs	AUD 600,000–800,000	Affordable options; growing suburbs

2. Apartments (Median Price)

Location	1-Bedroom	Notes / Tips
Inner Suburbs	AUD 600,000–800,000	Less maintenance, central location
Middle Suburbs	AUD 500,000–650,000	Often near shopping & transport
Outer Suburbs	AUD 400,000–550,000	Budget-friendly & new developments

Extra Costs: Legal fees (AU$1,000-3,000), inspections (AU$400-800), and the housing department, stamp duty & council charges vary.

Practical Suggestions for Affordable Housing

Outer suburbs such as Elizabeth or Modbury tend to have lower rentals and good transport connections.
Consider sharing a house with friends or family to reduce costs.
Apartments are simpler to maintain than houses, saving both time and money.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Mover in Adelaide?

If you have decided to rent a property in Adelaide, the next thing you need to consider is how to get there with minimal stress and expense. Hiring a professional removalist team in Adelaide will ultimately save you time and money while ensuring your belongings are delivered safely. will ultimately save you time, possibly money, and deliver it safely. Let Team Removals, Adelaide’s most professional removalist company, assist you with anything big or small. From a single item to an entire household, our specialist team manages it all because we are ready to help! Whether you are moving a few items or a whole family home, our professional team handles everything that comes our way:

Carefully and efficiently pack fragile items and electronics.
Transporting large furniture safely.
Insuring and taking responsibility for items.

For smaller or single-item moves, we also have our ever-popular Man with a Van service. It’s perfect if you have only a few things to transport or are coming from a nearby town.

3. Average Salary in Adelaide

According to ABS earnings data from May 2025, the average full-time annual earnings in Adelaide/South Australia are just over $100,000. A professional’s net average monthly salary is in the range of $3,800 - $4,200.

Standard Salaries by Sector in Adelaide, South Australia

Sector	Monthly Salary (AUD)	Examples
Technology	$6,500 to $9,000	Developers, IT engineers
Healthcare	$5,500 to $8,000	Nurses, general practitioners
Manufacturing	$4,500 to $6,000	Industrial technicians, factory workers
Services	$3,500 to $5,000	Retail staff, administrative roles

4. Utilities and House Bills in Adelaide

If you are looking to move house to Adelaide, it is a good idea to compare what you spend on home costs each month. Utilities — such as electricity, internet, gas, and water — can vary according to the size of your home and how much energy you use. Being aware of these costs, you can plan your expenditure accordingly and make the move into your new home in a hassle-free manner.

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost [Single] AUD	Average Monthly Cost [Family of 4] AUD	Notes
Electricity	$120-180	$300-450	Always compare providers’ government websites
Gas	$50-90	$120-200	Consider gas heaters for winter and compare providers for cheaper rates
Water	$30-50	$80-130	Take shorter showers and fix leaks if needed
Internet	$75-95	$95-900	Opt for bundled plans

How Can You Save Energy and Still Stay Comfortable Year-Round?

Lowering your energy bill doesn’t mean you need to compromise comfort. With a few mindful tricks, you can actually make your home more energy-efficient and save a lot each month. Here are a few ideas on how to get started:

If you can, switch to LED bulbs, which use less electricity and last much longer.
Good insulation will keep your insides warmer and maintain your home’s temperature, but it also ensures it stays cooler in summer. It can lower your air conditioning and heating power bill.
You can also harness the year-round sunshine of Adelaide by installing solar panels.
since they’re an intelligent, long-term purchase that can help lower electric bills.

5. Food And Grocery Item Price In Adelaide

Food Item	Price in Adelaide
Basic Lunchtime Menu (including a drink)	AU$24
Combo Meal in Fast Food Restaurant	AU$45
500 g (1 lb.) of Boneless Chicken Breast	AU$14.07
1 litre of Full Cream Milk	AU$2.14
12 Eggs	AU$7
1 kg (2 lb.) of Tomatoes	AU$6
500 g (16 oz.) of Local Cheese	AU$9
1 kg (2 lb.) of Apples	AU$5.47
1 kg (2 lb.) of Potatoes	AU$3.72
0.5 l (16 oz) Domestic Beer in the Supermarket	AU$7
1 Bottle of Red Table Wine, Good Quality	AU$21
2 Liters of Coca-Cola	AU$3.76
Combo Meal in a Fast Food Restaurant	AU$2.43

6. Travel Smart in Adelaide: Comparing Public vs Private Transport

It’s easy to get around Adelaide, thanks to the city’s network of efficient public transportation. Whether you decide to travel by bus, train, and tram or have the freedom to travel alone, it’s always good to know what you’ll spend on your daily commute when planning your month. Adelaide, being a smaller city compared to Melbourne and Sydney, means shorter travel time and certainly less money spent. Public transportation is cheap and efficient, particularly the MetroCard.

You can pick up a student MetroCard to enjoy discounted fare offers and unlimited trip passes. Having a car can offer more flexibility, especially if you live in the suburbs or commute out of the city; just don’t forget to factor in fuel, insurance, parking, and maintenance.

1. Public Transport Costs

Type of Travel	Average Costs [single trip]	Monthly Pass	Notes
Bus	AUD 4.00 -5.00	AUD 129-150	Prices depend on the number of zones you travel through.
Train	AUD 4.50-6.00	AUD 140-180	Ideal for longer trips
Tram	AUD 4.00-5.00	Included in the MetroCard	Mainly operates in the city

2. Private Transport Costs

Expenses	Monthly Costs [Single]	Notes
Fuel	AUD 150-250	Depends on the distance travelled
Gas 1 litre (1/4 gallon)	AU$1.83	Depends on the distance travelled
Insurance	AUD 80-150	Based on car types
Parking	AUD 0-180	Costs are higher in the city, while they are cheaper or free in the suburbs

Tips to Save on Transport and Travelling in Adelaide:

If you commute regularly, use a Metrocard monthly pass – it’s cheaper than the pay-per-ride tolls.
Find the lowest-cost filling stations in Adelaide through websites or apps to reduce your monthly petrol bills.
A well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel, costs you less to run, and is less likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown.
If possible at your job, remote work can save you commuting costs — and time — on a daily basis.

7. Healthcare in Adelaide

Adelaide is known for its strong and high-quality health care system, which provides public and private services depending on individual needs. If you’re a family, student, or professional relocating from interstate or even overseas, having someone to guide you through the complex world of healthcare in Australia can be pivotal for effective financial and lifestyle planning and transition.

1. Public Healthcare

Residents in Adelaide who are covered under Australia’s public healthcare system, which is “Medicare”, can access almost free emergency care at public hospitals, along with many medical services. This makes public healthcare a practical and affordable option, especially for newcomers settling into the city or those on a tight budget.

People who are eligible for Medicare are entitled to free emergency treatment and hospital care at public hospitals across Adelaide.
Many general practitioner (GP) clinics also offer bulk billing, which allows Medicare-eligible patients to consult a doctor without paying any upfront fees.
In addition, the public healthcare system covers certain specialist consultations and medical tests. However, patients may experience longer waiting times than in private healthcare services.

2. Private Healthcare

Adelaide offers a wide range of private healthcare services so that people in need can get faster access to medical care, though costs are higher than those for public healthcare.

Benefits Include:

Shorter waiting times for surgeries and specialist appointments.
Access to private hospitals with higher-quality facilities.
Coverage for extras like dental, optical, physiotherapy, and wellness programmes.
Monthly premiums generally range from AUD 100 to 200 per person, depending on the plan and the number of people included.

How to Save on Healthcare in Adelaide, South Australia:

Utilise Bulk-Billing Clinics: Step into bulk-billing centres, if there are any at your location, to avoid paying upfront amounts.
Compare Health Insurance Plans: Research some different private insurance plan options to ensure you are not under- or over-insured.
Prevention is Better Than a Cure: Maintaining good health, regular health check-ups, and vaccinations can help you save on unnecessary expenditure in the future.
Use Local Health Services: Community medical clinics often provide inexpensive or free health services such as mental health treatment or birth control.
Time Elective Procedures: If you need a procedure or treatment that involves seeing a specialist, then scheduling it in off-peak time or taking advantage of insurance will save time and money.

8. Costs of Studying For International Students in Adelaide

International students are attracted to Adelaide for its excellent universities and exciting lifestyle. But as we know, making the dream of studying here come true means planning your finances wisely. Below, we have mentioned the breakdown of a student’s average expenses in Adelaide.

Category	Estimate Average Costs [AUD]	Notes
Registration Fees	$100-200	One-time fee for processing the application
Study Material and Supplies	$500 per year	Books, stationery and other study materials
Food and Groceries	$60-200 per week	As per your eating habits
Internet Connection and Phone	$25 per week	Necessary for communication and academic purposes
Bachelor’s Degree	Books, stationery, and other study materials	Depend on the subject you choose
Master’s Degree	$22,000-50,000	Differs by the subject you choose
PhD Programs	$35,000-45,000	For standard research programs
Vocational Certificate	9,500-20,000	Additional costs

9. Entertainment in Adelaide

Type	Basic Price
Basic Dinner Out for Two in The Neighbourhood	AU$64
2 Tickets to The Movies	AU$40
2 Tickets to The Theatre	AU$160
Dinner for Two at a Restaurant in The Expat Area, Including Appetisers, Main Course, Wine and Dessert	AU$124
1 Cocktail Drink in a Club	AU$19
Cappuccino in The Expat Area of The City	AU$5.60
1 Beer in Neighbourhood Pub (500 ml or pt.)	AU$12
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB	AU$695
1 Month of Gym Membership	AU$71

Things To Do in Adelaide For Free or At Low Cost

Explore lush gardens and native Australian plants at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. It also has a one-of-a-kind rose garden and a conservatory bursting with rainforest plants.
Adelaide has beaches in spades, and all are just a bus ride away. Glenelg Beach is another popular coastal destination, a great place for swimming and sunbathing. Or walk along the coast from Glenelg to Brighton — it tends not to be as crowded.
There’s the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum; both are free to enter and provide a wonderful way to step back in time and absorb some of the history and tradition that has defined this country.
Adelaide is home to a variety of festivals, with most at least partly funded by the South Australian Government (Adelaide City Council). Other events, such as WOMADelaide, Spirit Festival, Fringe Festival, and Feast Festival, are loaded with dance, music, theatre, and art combined.
Adelaide Central Market is a really cheap and cool way to try a whole load of new foods. Meats, fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses of the speciality kind, and on and on.

Read More: Brisbane Cost Of Living In 2026: Rent, Bills & More

Conclusion: Is Adelaide Worth the Move?

Despite an increase in the overall Cost of Living, Adelaide remains one of the most Liveable and Affordable Capital Cities in Australia. Unlike Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide’s Cost of Living is considerably lower than both Cities’ when it comes to housing, daily transportation, and lifestyle expenses. With proper budgeting plans, selecting a neighbourhood wisely, and watching what they spend, newcomers to Adelaide can live comfortably in the City, no matter if they are Single, Married, or with Children.

Adelaide offers affordable rental properties, reasonable grocery prices, affordable healthcare facilities, and much more, creating a good balance of excellent value for money. Furthermore, if you’re considering relocating to Adelaide for either Employment, Education, Family, or to have a change of scenery, by knowing the actual cost of living you will better prepare yourself financially and to avoid surprise expenses; learning how to budget your finances and the opportunities that will await you once you arrive in Adelaide allows you to successfully adapt to your new home city with less stress and more excitement.

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