Cost of Living in Geelong

Category	Details	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city centre	AUD 1,200 - 1,500 per month
	1-bedroom apartment outside city centre	AUD 900 - 1,200 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city centre	AUD 4,000 - 5,000
	Price per square meter outside city centre	AUD 2,500 - 3,500
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	AUD 4.40
	Monthly local transport pass	AUD 150 - 200
	Gasoline (1 litre)	AUD 1.40 - 1.60
	Taxi (1 km)	AUD 2.00 - 2.50
Groceries	Milk (1 litre)	AUD 1.00 - 1.50
	Bread (500g)	AUD 2.00 - 3.00
	Rice (1 kg)	AUD 2.00 - 3.00
	Chicken breasts (1 kg)	AUD 8.00 - 12.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	AUD 15.00 - 25.00
	Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	AUD 60.00 - 100.00
	Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's)	AUD 8.00 - 12.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment	AUD 150.00 - 250.00 per month
	Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	AUD 60.00 - 90.00 per month
	Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract)	AUD 0.10 - 0.30 per minute
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten)	AUD 10,000 - 15,000 per year
	Elementary School	AUD 15,000 - 25,000 per year
	Middle School	AUD 20,000 - 30,000 per year
	High School	AUD 25,000 - 35,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Geelong

"The cost of living in Geelong is considered moderate compared to other Australian cities. Housing is more affordable than in Melbourne or Sydney, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being relatively lower. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also considered reasonable. Groceries and food expenses in Geelong are on par with the national average, with a wide range of options for both budget and high-end shopping. Eating out at restaurants can vary greatly in price, depending on the type of restaurant and its location. Transportation costs in Geelong are also moderate, with options for public transport, taxis, and private vehicles. Petrol prices are in line with the national average. Healthcare in Geelong is of a high standard, with both public and private options available. The cost can vary depending on whether you have private health insurance. Overall, while the cost of living in Geelong is not the cheapest in Australia, it is more affordable than in larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, and offers a high standard of living," said one expat living in Geelong.

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

"I've been living in Geelong 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. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Newtown, Highton, and Geelong West might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Norlane, Corio, or Whittington. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep your rent costs down.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider biking to work if it's feasible. Geelong has a decent bus network, and you can get a monthly pass for around $100, which will save you money compared to paying for individual rides.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious as well. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will be cheaper than eating out. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for more affordable options like cafes or takeaway shops rather than high-end restaurants.Entertainment and socializing will also need to be done on a budget. Instead of going out to bars or clubs, consider having friends over for a movie night or a potluck dinner. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in Geelong, like visiting the beach, going for hikes, or attending community events.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Geelong is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being budget-conscious with your food and entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Geelong.

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

"I've been living in Geelong 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 sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas like Newtown, Highton, and Geelong West might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable suburbs like Belmont, Grovedale, or Norlane. These areas still have access to modern amenities, but the cost of living is lower.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to save on rent. Utilities and internet costs can also add up, so it's essential to be mindful of your usage and find a plan that suits your needs without breaking the bank.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Geelong has a decent public transport system, so you might want to consider using buses and trains instead of owning a car. This will save you on fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. If you do need a car, consider buying a used one to keep costs down.Eating out and entertainment can be expensive in Australia, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in these areas. Cooking at home and inviting friends over instead of going out can save you a lot of money. Look for free or low-cost events and activities around Geelong to keep yourself entertained without spending too much.Lastly, shopping for groceries and other essentials can be done at discount stores like Aldi or by visiting local markets for fresh produce. This will help you save on your monthly expenses and allow you to live comfortably on your budget.In conclusion, living in Geelong on $3,000 a month is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart with your housing and transportation choices, and cutting back on eating out and entertainment, you can make it work," said one expat living in Geelong.

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

"I've been living in Geelong 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 afford a large, luxurious house in one of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Newtown or Highton. Instead, you might have to settle for a smaller house or an apartment in a more affordable area, like Belmont or Grovedale. These neighborhoods are still nice and safe, but the housing prices are more reasonable.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having your own car, you might find that the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle in Australia can be quite high, especially when you factor in petrol prices and insurance. To save money, you could consider using public transportation, which is pretty good in Geelong, or even biking or walking to work if you live close enough.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you might have to be a bit more selective about where you go and how often you go out. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in Geelong, but you might have to skip the more expensive, high-end places. The same goes for entertainment – you can still enjoy movies, concerts, and other events, but you might have to be more mindful of your budget and look for deals and discounts.Overall, living in Geelong on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. But in the end, you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities in a beautiful city," commented an expat living in Geelong.