Cost of Living in Wollongong

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1 bedroom apartment in city center: AUD 1,500 - 2,000 per month 1 bedroom apartment outside city center: AUD 1,200 - 1,700 per month 3 bedroom apartment in city center: AUD 2,500 - 3,500 per month 3 bedroom apartment outside city center: AUD 2,000 - 2,800 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: AUD 5,000 - 7,000 Price per square meter outside city center: AUD 3,500 - 5,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: AUD 3.50 - 5.00 Monthly public transport pass: AUD 100 - 150 Taxi starting tariff: AUD 3.50 - 5.00 Taxi 1km tariff: AUD 2.00 - 3.00 Gasoline (1 liter): AUD 1.30 - 1.60
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): AUD 1.00 - 1.50 Bread (500g): AUD 2.00 - 3.50 Rice (1kg): AUD 2.00 - 4.00 Eggs (12): AUD 3.00 - 5.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): AUD 8.00 - 12.00 Beef round (1kg): AUD 12.00 - 18.00 Apples (1kg): AUD 3.00 - 5.00 Tomatoes (1kg): AUD 3.00 - 5.00 Potatoes (1kg): AUD 2.00 - 4.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): AUD 1.50 - 2.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AUD 15 - 25 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: AUD 60 - 100 McMeal at McDonald's: AUD 8 - 12 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): AUD 6 - 9 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): AUD 6 - 10 Cappuccino: AUD 3.50 - 5.00 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): AUD 2.50 - 4.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): AUD 2.00 - 3.50
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: AUD 150 - 250 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): AUD 0.20 - 0.50 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): AUD 60 - 100 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: AUD 1,000 - 2,000 per term Elementary School: AUD 2,000 - 5,000 per term Middle School: AUD 3,000 - 7,000 per term High School: AUD 4,000 - 10,000 per term

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in your specific area to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living in Wollongong.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Wollongong

"The cost of living in Wollongong is considered moderate compared to other major cities in Australia. Rent is relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Sydney or Melbourne. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage are a bit on the higher side. Transportation costs are also moderate, with options for public transport, cycling, and driving. Health care is generally of high quality and is affordable, especially for those who qualify for the country's Medicare system. Entertainment and leisure activities vary in cost, but there are options available for all budgets. Overall, while Wollongong is not the cheapest place to live in Australia, it offers a good quality of life for a moderate cost," said one expat living in Wollongong.

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

"I've been living in Wollongong 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. I'd recommend looking for a shared house or apartment in areas like Fairy Meadow, Towradgi, or Corrimal. These neighborhoods are a bit more affordable than the more expensive areas like North Wollongong or Wollongong CBD. You can expect to pay around $600-$800 per month for a room in a shared house in these areas.Next, you'll need to budget for groceries and other essentials. I usually spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries, but you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like ALDI or by buying in bulk at places like Costco. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you live close to your workplace, you can save money by walking or cycling. Otherwise, you'll need to budget for public transport or a car. A monthly public transport pass costs around $100, while owning a car can be more expensive due to insurance, registration, and fuel costs.As for entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Going out for drinks or dinner can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities like going to the beach, hiking, or attending local events. You can also save money by inviting friends over for a potluck dinner or movie night instead of going out.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Wollongong is possible, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, cooking at home, and being mindful of your entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Wollongong.

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

"I've been living in Wollongong 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 have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Fairy Meadow, Towradgi, or Corrimal. These suburbs are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep your rent within budget.On the other hand, I'd avoid looking for housing in more expensive neighborhoods like North Wollongong, Keiraville, or Mount Ousley. These areas are closer to the university and the city center, which makes them more desirable and, consequently, more expensive.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and transportation. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work can save you a significant amount of money. You might also want to consider using public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car, as parking and petrol can add up quickly.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Wollongong, like going to the beach, hiking in the nearby national parks, or attending local community events. You might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to Sydney or nights out at fancy restaurants and bars.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Wollongong is achievable, but it will require some adjustments to your lifestyle and spending habits. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your expenses, you can make it work and still enjoy all that this beautiful coastal city has to offer," said one expat living in Wollongong.

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

"I've been living in Wollongong 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. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most upscale neighborhoods or dine out at fancy restaurants every night.When it comes to housing, I'd recommend looking for a place in the more affordable neighborhoods like Fairy Meadow, Towradgi, or Corrimal. These areas are still close to the city center and have good access to public transportation, but the rent is generally more reasonable than in the more expensive neighborhoods like North Wollongong or Keiraville. You should be able to find a decent apartment or small house for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month in these areas.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are pretty standard in Wollongong, so you shouldn't have too much trouble staying within your budget. You might have to cut back on eating out or going to the movies, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the area, like hiking in the nearby national parks or spending a day at the beach.One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation in Wollongong is decent, but not as extensive as in larger cities like Sydney. If you don't have a car, you might need to rely on buses or trains to get around, which can be a bit inconvenient at times. However, if you're able to find a place close to your work or other places you frequent, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.Overall, I think you can definitely make it work on $5,000 a month in Wollongong, as long as you're willing to be a bit flexible with your housing and entertainment choices. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Wollongong.