Cost of Living in Hobart
Summary: If you're moving to Hobart, understanding the the cost of living in Hobart helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | AUD 1,300 - 1,800 per month |
1-bedroom apartment outside city centre | AUD 1,000 - 1,500 per month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city centre | AUD 4,000 - 6,000 |
Price per square meter outside city centre | AUD 2,500 - 4,000 | |
Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | AUD 3.50 |
Monthly local transport pass | AUD 70 - 100 | |
Taxi starting tariff | AUD 4.00 | |
Gasoline (1 litre) | AUD 1.40 - 1.60 | |
Groceries | Milk (1 litre) | AUD 1.00 - 1.50 |
Bread (500g) | AUD 2.00 - 4.00 | |
Rice (1kg) | AUD 2.00 - 4.00 | |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | 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 | |
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | AUD 6.00 - 10.00 | |
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 - 100.00 per month | |
Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract) | AUD 0.10 - 0.30 per minute | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or kindergarten) | AUD 1,500 - 3,000 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 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hobart
"The cost of living in Hobart is considered to be relatively high compared to other cities in the world. Housing is the biggest expense for most people, with the cost of renting or buying a home being quite high. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are also quite expensive. Groceries and food costs are also significant, with prices for fresh produce, meat, and dairy products being higher than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly. Transportation costs can add up, especially if you own a car, as petrol prices are high. Public transportation is available but can also be expensive, especially for regular commuters. Healthcare in Hobart is of a high standard, but it can be costly if you don't have private health insurance. Education, especially private education, can also be a significant expense for families. Despite the high cost of living, many people are drawn to Hobart for its high quality of life, beautiful scenery, and cultural attractions," said one expat living in Hobart.
Can I live in Hobart on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hobart 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 share house or a small apartment in suburbs like Glenorchy, Moonah, or Claremont. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're more affordable than neighborhoods like Battery Point or Sandy Bay, which are quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you can, try to find a place close to your work or use public transportation. Hobart's public transport system isn't the best, but it's still cheaper than owning a car and paying for petrol, insurance, and maintenance. If you're able to walk or bike to work, that's even better.When it comes to groceries, you'll need to be smart about where you shop and what you buy. Stick to supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, and try to buy in bulk when items are on sale. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, as dining out in Hobart can be quite pricey.For entertainment, you'll need to be selective about what you spend your money on. Going to the movies or out for drinks can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting the beach, or attending local events and festivals.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared to cut back on some of the modern amenities you might be used to. For example, you might need to live without air conditioning or a dishwasher, and you may need to share a bathroom with housemates. It's all about finding a balance between what you're willing to sacrifice and what you need to live comfortably.Overall, living in Hobart on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. If you're willing to be flexible and budget-conscious, you can make it work and still enjoy the beautiful city and its surroundings," commented an expat living in Hobart.
Can I live in Hobart on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hobart 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 Hobart include Glenorchy, Moonah, and Claremont. These areas have a good mix of housing options, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. I'd recommend avoiding more expensive neighborhoods like Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and West Hobart, as the rent prices there can be quite high.Next, you'll want to be mindful of your transportation costs. Hobart has a decent public transportation system, and a monthly bus pass will cost you around $70. If you're planning on using a car, be prepared for higher fuel prices compared to the US, and parking fees in the city center can add up quickly. I've found that using public transportation and occasionally using a rideshare service like Uber works well for me.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices are generally higher than in the US. To save money, I recommend shopping at local markets and discount grocery stores like Coles and Woolworths. Cooking at home most of the time and limiting eating out to once or twice a week can help you stay within your budget. When you do eat out, look for more affordable options like cafes and takeaway shops, as sit-down restaurants can be quite pricey.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Hobart. The city has beautiful parks, beaches, and hiking trails that you can enjoy without spending a dime. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those. If you're into arts and culture, consider getting a membership at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, which offers discounted admission to special exhibitions.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out frequently or having a large, modern apartment in a trendy neighborhood. However, I've found that the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Hobart more than make up for these small sacrifices. Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Hobart is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle," said one expat living in Hobart.
Can I live in Hobart on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Hobart 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 expensive neighborhoods, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a few affordable neighborhoods that I would recommend. One of them is Glenorchy, which is a suburb located about 20 minutes north of the city center. It's a pretty diverse area with a mix of residential and commercial properties, and you can find some reasonably priced houses and apartments there. Another option is Moonah, which is just a bit further north of Glenorchy. It's a bit more residential and has a nice community feel to it, with plenty of parks and local shops.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. Sandy Bay, for example, is a very popular and upscale area located just south of the city center. It's home to some beautiful waterfront properties and has a great selection of cafes and restaurants, but the cost of living there can be quite high. Battery Point is another pricey neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and charming streets. It's a lovely place to visit, but living there might be a bit out of your budget.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Hobart, especially compared to some of the bigger cities in Australia. Public transportation is also quite reasonable, with a monthly bus pass costing around $70. However, if you plan on traveling around the island frequently, you might want to consider getting a car, as public transportation options can be limited outside of the city.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Hobart on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, as long as you're willing to make a few compromises. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Hobart.
About the Author
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.