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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Apollo Bay 2024
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Cost of Living in Apollo Bay

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Apollo Bay helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Apartment rentals in Apollo Bay range from $200 to $400 per week for a one bedroom apartment. Two bedroom apartments range from $250 to $500 per week.
Apartment Purchases The median price for an apartment in Apollo Bay is $400,000. Prices range from $200,000 to $800,000 depending on the size and location.
Transportation Public transportation in Apollo Bay is limited. A bus service operates between Apollo Bay and nearby towns. Taxis are available but can be expensive. The cost of owning and running a car in Apollo Bay is similar to other parts of Australia.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Apollo Bay is similar to other parts of Australia. Prices for basic items such as bread, milk, and eggs are comparable to other parts of the country.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Apollo Bay is similar to other parts of Australia. Prices for meals range from $10 to $30 depending on the type of restaurant.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Apollo Bay is similar to other parts of Australia. Electricity, gas, and water are all priced similarly to other parts of the country.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Apollo Bay varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per year. Elementary school tuition ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 per year. Middle school tuition ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 per year. High school tuition ranges from $8,000 to $16,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Apollo Bay

"The cost of living in Apollo Bay is considered to be relatively high compared to other parts of the country. This is largely due to its status as a popular tourist destination and its location along the scenic Great Ocean Road. Housing is the biggest expense for most residents, with property prices being quite high. Renting is also costly, especially during the peak tourist season.In terms of everyday expenses, food and groceries in Apollo Bay are slightly more expensive than the national average. Dining out, especially at the local seafood restaurants, can also add up. However, there are options for cheaper eats, such as local cafes and takeaway shops.Transportation costs are another factor to consider. While the town itself is walkable, owning a car is almost a necessity due to the rural location and lack of public transportation. Petrol prices can be higher than in major cities due to the remote location.Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the cost of living. These services can be more expensive than in larger cities, again due to the town's remote location.Despite these costs, many residents feel that the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and close-knit community make the cost of living in Apollo Bay worthwhile," said one expat living in Apollo Bay.

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

"I've been living in Apollo Bay for a while 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. The more central areas of Apollo Bay, like the town center, can be quite expensive, so you might want to look for a place in the outskirts or in nearby towns like Marengo or Skenes Creek. You can find some decent one-bedroom apartments or shared accommodations for around $600-$800 per month.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend using public transport or getting a bicycle. The bus service in Apollo Bay is decent, and a monthly pass costs around $100. If you're working in the town center, you can easily get around on foot or by bike.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll have to be mindful of your budget. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Eating out can be quite expensive in Apollo Bay, especially in the more touristy areas, so try to limit that to special occasions or look for cheaper options like cafes and takeaway shops.For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in the area, like hiking in the Great Otway National Park, swimming at the beach, or attending community events. However, you might have to cut back on things like gym memberships, nights out at bars, or expensive hobbies.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Apollo Bay is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Look for affordable housing in the outskirts or nearby towns, use public transport or a bike, cook at home, and take advantage of free or low-cost activities in the area," commented an expat living in Apollo Bay.

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

"I've been living in Apollo Bay for a while 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. The cost of living in Apollo Bay is generally lower than in bigger cities like Melbourne or Sydney, but it's still not the cheapest place to live in Australia.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. The more central areas of Apollo Bay can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for a place to rent in the outskirts or in nearby towns like Marengo or Skenes Creek. You can find decent houses or apartments for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs and maintenance. I'd suggest using public transport or even cycling if possible. Apollo Bay is a small town, so getting around on a bike is quite doable. Plus, it's a great way to stay fit and enjoy the beautiful scenery!Groceries and eating out can also add up, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are a few supermarkets in town where you can find reasonably priced groceries. If you do want to eat out occasionally, there are some affordable cafes and restaurants, but you'll need to avoid the more touristy and expensive places.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Apollo Bay. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and there are also several parks and walking trails in the area. If you're into sports, there are local clubs and teams you can join, which can be a great way to meet new people and stay active.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Apollo Bay is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable accommodation, using public transport or cycling, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work and enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful coastal town," said one expat living in Apollo Bay.

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

"I've been living in Apollo Bay for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be a few sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to look for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend checking out areas like Skenes Creek, Marengo, or even slightly further out in Forrest. These areas are still close enough to Apollo Bay's town center, but the rent is generally more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Wild Dog Road or Tuxion Road.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs and maintenance. I'd suggest using public transport, like the local bus service, or even consider cycling or walking if you're living close enough to your workplace or other amenities.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Apollo Bay, especially if you're dining at some of the more popular restaurants. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets and grocery stores for fresh produce. There are also some more affordable cafes and takeaway options if you're looking for a cheaper meal out.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Apollo Bay. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes in the nearby Great Otway National Park, or take part in community events and festivals. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent trips to Melbourne or attending high-end concerts and events.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Apollo Bay is achievable, but it will require some budgeting and making a few sacrifices in terms of accommodation, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Apollo Bay.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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