While the cost of living in Australia is generally high, you can opt to move to a city that is more economical like Adelaide or Brisbane. A single person is expected to spend between 400 and 600 AUD (270 and 405 USD) weekly.

Estimated monthly expenses in other major Australian cities

Sydney—1,371 AUD (926 USD)
Melbourne—1,280 AUD (864 USD)
Canberra—1,256 AUD (848 USD)
Perth—1,246 AUD (841 USD)
Brisbane—1,218 AUD (822 USD)
Newcastle—1,213 AUD (819 USD)
Gold Coast—1,183 AUD (799 USD)
Hobart—1,181 AUD (798 USD)
Adelaide—1,101 AUD (744 USD)

The average weekly expenditures on food

Bread—7 AUD (5 USD)
Rice—1 AUD (1 USD)
Meat—27 AUD (18 USD)
Eggs—2 AUD (1 USD)
Dairy products—14 AUD (9 USD)
Fruit—14 AUD (9 USD)
Vegetables—16 AUD (11 USD)
Condiments—25 AUD (17 USD)

Utility Costs

We’ve calculated it based on the number of people in the home. Here’s what you can expect to spend on electricity for an entire year:
1—1,323 AUD (894 USD)
2—1,695 AUD (1,145 USD)
3—2,090 AUD (1,412 USD)
4—2,088 AUD (1,411 USD)
5—2,604 AUD (1,759 USD)
6—2,516 AUD (1,699 USD)

Weekly rent rates

Sydney—582 AUD (406 USD)
Canberra—559 AUD (390 USD)
Melbourne—454 AUD (317 USD)
Brisbane—436 AUD (304 USD)
Perth—385 AUD (269 USD)
Adelaide—386 AUD (269 USD)
Hobart—453 AUD (316 USD)
Darwin—458 AUD (320 USD)

Holidays in Australia

Here’s a list of Public Holidays for 2020:
New Year’s Day—January 1
Australia Day—January 28
Good Friday—April 10
Easter Monday—April 13
Anzac Day—April 25
Christmas Day—December 25
Boxing Day—December 26

Main Embassies

Most immigrants in Australia come from the following countries: China, India, New Zealand, Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Italy, Malaysia, and Scotland. If you are wondering where their embassies are, feel free to click below:
▸ British High Commission Canberra
▸ Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
▸ High Commission of India
▸ New Zealand High Commission
▸ Philippine Embassy of Canberra
▸ Vietnamese Embassy in Australia
▸ South African High Commission
▸ Ambasciata d’Italia Canberra
▸ Malaysian High Commission
▸ United Kingdom High Commission in Canberra

Australians appreciate modesty and a good sense of humor. They like to be described as a classless society that values realness, humility, and genuineness, and dislike arrogance and pretentiousness. So don’t be surprised if Australians like poking fun at themselves- it’s quite the norm.

Australians are also known to be easy going and never formal. They prefer calling people by their first names and are casual about greetings as well. They are rarely formal. However, affecting an exaggerated Australian accent could offend. The topics to avoid are sex, religion, race, a person’s age or weight.

Gift-Exchanging Etiquette

Australians often exchange presents on major holidays such as Christmas and birthdays.

Dinner Etiquette

It is expected that you bring some booze, chocolate or any small item to show appreciation for your host, and don’t forget to help them clean up after. Any food that is not consumed, must be left behind. When dining out, show respect and politeness to everyone, including the wait staff. Australians put a premium on everyone being equal. Don’t leave food on your plate and remember that tipping is optional rather than the norm.

Australian culture values

▸ Friendship
▸ Egalitarianism
▸ authenticity
▸ Optimism
▸ Humility
▸ Informality
▸ Easy-going
▸ Common sense
▸ Humor

Driving in Australia

Because of the unique geographical features of Australia, renting a vehicle is necessary, as some parts of the country can only be accessed by car. Depending on where you are, the minimum age requirement to drive alone is between 16 and 18.

If you are from any of the countries below, simply exchange your license for an Australian one:

The ease of securing a license depends a lot on your age. If you are from any of the countries below but are below 25 years old, you need to take a road and knowledge test. Being over 25 means you can just exchange your foreign license for an Australian one.

Renting a Car

If you are staying in Australia for less than three months, then rentals are the way to go. Anything more and you might want to consider buying your own vehicle.

Here’s what you need to rent a car in Australia.
▸ A valid driver’s license
▸ IDP (if necessary)
▸ Passport for ID
▸ Credit card

You will need to be 21 and over to rent a car. If you are between 21 and 24, you may need to pay an additional fee as a “young driver”. You may also have fewer vehicles to choose from.

Renting vehicles in Australia are cheaper in larger towns that in smaller ones. Prices start at 25 AUD (17 USD) and go as high as 150 AUD (101 USD) per day.

Here’s a quick guide to pricing:

Public Transportation in Australia

The public transportation system in Australia is efficient and well-maintained. Safety is a priority, so don’t be surprised if you see uniformed or plain clothes security personnel during your commute. Cost of Public Transportation in Australia ▸ Bus ticket⁠—3 AUD (2 USD) ▸ Bus 24-hour ticket—8 AUD (5 USD) ▸ Tram—2 AUD (1 USD) ▸ Train ticket—2 AUD (1 USD) ▸ Taxi—2 to 3 AUD (1–2 USD) starting price; 1 AUD (1 USD) for each kilometer The following is a list of sample airline fares between popular cities in Australia: Qantas Airline:

Tiger Airline Rates (Budget)

The country’s busiest airports are ▸ Sydney Airport ▸ Melbourne Airport ▸ Brisbane Airport ▸ Perth Airport ▸ Adelaide Airport ▸ Gold Coast Airport ▸ Cairns Airport ▸ Canberra Airport ▸ Hobart International Airport ▸ Darwin Airport