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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Adelaide 2024
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Cost of Living in Adelaide

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to Adelaide, understanding the the cost of living in Adelaide helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Adelaide - Cost of Living in Adelaide

Apartment Rentals The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is $320 per week. For a two-bedroom apartment, the median rent is $400 per week.
Apartment Purchases The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is $300,000. For a two-bedroom apartment, the median price is $400,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Adelaide is relatively inexpensive. A single-trip ticket costs $3.50, and a day pass costs $7.50. A monthly pass costs $90.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Adelaide is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $2.50, a liter of milk costs around $1.50, and a dozen eggs costs around $4.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Adelaide is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Adelaide is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, gas, and water is around $200.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Adelaide varies depending on the school. The average annual tuition for preschool is around $4,000, for elementary school is around $7,000, for middle school is around $9,000, and for high school is around $12,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Adelaide

"The cost of living in Adelaide is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for groceries, transportation and housing costs are generally lower than the national Australian average, and other services are generally more reasonably priced. Adelaide is known to offer a higher quality of life at a lower cost than other major cities in Australia," said one expat living in Adelaide, Australia.

Can I live in Adelaide on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Adelaide for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like North Adelaide, Unley, and Norwood might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a shared apartment or house in more affordable areas like Salisbury, Elizabeth, or even further south like Morphett Vale. These areas are not as trendy, but they're still safe and have decent public transport options.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive in Adelaide, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. Shopping at local markets like the Adelaide Central Market can help you save on groceries. When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting the Art Gallery of South Australia or taking a walk along the beautiful coastline.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using public transport instead of owning a car. Adelaide has a decent bus and train system, and you can save money by purchasing a monthly pass. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service like GoGet.Finally, be prepared to make some lifestyle adjustments. You might not be able to afford the latest gadgets or go on expensive vacations, but Adelaide has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences. By being mindful of your spending and making some sacrifices, you can live comfortably on $1,500 a month in Adelaide," commented an expat living in Adelaide.

Can I live in Adelaide on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Adelaide for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Adelaide include Kilburn, Woodville, and Salisbury. These areas have a lower cost of living compared to more expensive neighborhoods like North Adelaide, Glenelg, and Norwood. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep your rent within budget.When it comes to transportation, Adelaide has a decent public transport system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. However, if you do need a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs. Also, try to walk or bike whenever possible to save on transportation costs.For groceries and other essentials, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Foodland, and try to cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be expensive in Adelaide, so limit dining out to special occasions or look for cheap eats in the city.As for entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Adelaide. You can visit the many parks and beaches, attend free events and festivals, or explore the city's museums and galleries. If you're into sports, consider joining a local sports club or community group to stay active and meet new people.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on luxury items, expensive hobbies, and international travel. However, with some careful budgeting and prioritizing, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Adelaide on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Adelaide.

Can I live in Adelaide on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Adelaide for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are some affordable neighborhoods that you should consider. One of my favorites is Norwood, which is just a short drive from the city center. It's got a great community vibe, with plenty of shops, cafes, and parks. Another good option is Prospect, which is a bit closer to the city and has a nice mix of older homes and newer apartments. Both of these neighborhoods are quite affordable, and you should be able to find a decent place to live without breaking the bank.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget. For example, North Adelaide and Unley are both beautiful areas, but the cost of living there can be quite high. You might find that you're paying a premium for the location, and it might not be worth it if you're trying to save money.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Adelaide compared to other major cities in Australia. You might have to cut back on some non-essential expenses, like gym memberships or entertainment, but overall, I think you'll find that living on $5,000 a month is quite doable.One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation in Adelaide is not as extensive as in some other cities, so you might need to rely on a car to get around. This can add to your monthly expenses, but if you're smart about it and find a fuel-efficient vehicle, it shouldn't be too much of a burden.Overall, I think you'll find that Adelaide is a great place to live as an expat, even on a $5,000 a month budget. You might have to make a few sacrifices, but the quality of life here is excellent, and there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods to choose from," commented an expat living in Adelaide.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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