Cost of Living in Ballina - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Ballina
Address: Ballina, AU

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $882 (excluding rent), and $2,263 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,553 (excluding rent), and $4,427 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.46 A$23.21

$11.20 A$15.79

$32.93 A$46.43

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$77.4 A$109

$51.6 A$72.8

$129 A$182

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.77 A$13.78

$9.12 A$12.86

$11.73 A$16.54

Cappuccino

$3.33 A$4.70

$2.65 A$3.74

$4.78 A$6.74

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.52 A$3.56

$1.92 A$2.71

$3.20 A$4.52

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.17 A$3.07

$1.65 A$2.32

$2.96 A$4.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.54 A$9.22

$4.58 A$6.45

$9.16 A$12.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.16 A$10.09

$5.23 A$7.37

$9.81 A$13.83

Milk (1 liter)

$2.41 A$3.40

$1.93 A$2.72

$2.90 A$4.08

White Bread (500g)

$3.18 A$4.48

$3.01 A$4.25

$3.34 A$4.71

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.96 A$2.77

$1.15 A$1.63

$3.20 A$4.52

Eggs

$5.25 A$7.40

$4.66 A$6.57

$5.82 A$8.21

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.89 A$8.31

$3.93 A$5.54

$7.86 A$11.08

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.61 A$12.14

$6.33 A$8.92

$11.32 A$15.96

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.60 A$19.17

$7.76 A$10.94

$19.29 A$27.19

Apples (1kg)

$3.19 A$4.50

$2.55 A$3.60

$3.83 A$5.40

Banana (1kg)

$2.83 A$4.00

$1.98 A$2.79

$4.69 A$6.62

Oranges (1kg)

$2.91 A$4.11

$1.62 A$2.28

$5.78 A$8.16

Tomato (1kg)

$3.15 A$4.45

$1.26 A$1.78

$5.04 A$7.11

Potato (1kg)

$2.50 A$3.52

$1.32 A$1.86

$3.30 A$4.65

Onion (1kg)

$2.18 A$3.08

$1.33 A$1.87

$2.99 A$4.21

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.19 A$4.50

$2.56 A$3.60

$3.83 A$5.41

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.52 A$2.14

$0.51 A$0.72

$3.19 A$4.49

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$30.40 A$42.87

$25.60 A$36.10

$38.40 A$54.2

Wine (Bottle)

$13.75 A$19.38

$9.05 A$12.76

$20.87 A$29.43

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.63 A$6.53

$2.64 A$3.72

$7.91 A$11.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.19 A$7.32

$2.84 A$4.01

$7.57 A$10.67

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.67 A$3.77

$1.94 A$2.74

$3.34 A$4.71

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$65.2 A$92.0

$22.82 A$32.18

$65.2 A$92.0

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.64 A$5.13

$2.78 A$3.91

$5.95 A$8.39

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.62 A$2.28

$1.45 A$2.05

$1.90 A$2.69

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$33.14 A$46.73

$32.11 A$45.28

$40.14 A$56.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.15 A$1.62

$1.05 A$1.48

$1.38 A$1.94

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.9K A$40.8K

$26.0K A$36.7K

$28.9K A$40.8K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.5K A$31.7K

$20.8K A$29.4K

$26.0K A$36.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$183 A$258

$102 A$144

$324 A$457

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$27.31 A$38.50

$12.97 A$18.28

$48.61 A$68.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$52.4 A$73.9

$45.06 A$63.5

$68.1 A$96.0

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$47.90 A$67.6

$19.17 A$27.03

$57.5 A$81.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.45 A$21.79

$7.68 A$10.83

$15.45 A$21.79

Cinema Ticket

$12.94 A$18.25

$11.65 A$16.42

$18.11 A$25.54

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,617 A$2,280

$885 A$1,248

$2,199 A$3,100

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.1K A$17.1K

$6,557 A$9,245

$17.7K A$25.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.9 A$95.7

$41.19 A$58.1

$97.3 A$137

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.2 A$70.8

$25.85 A$36.44

$77.6 A$109

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$99.2 A$140

$64.9 A$91.6

$143 A$201

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 A$150

$64.6 A$91.2

$162 A$228

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,241 A$1,750

$1,023 A$1,442

$1,310 A$1,848

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,076 A$1,518

$670 A$944

$1,198 A$1,690

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,044 A$2,882

$1,649 A$2,324

$2,506 A$3,533

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,658 A$2,337

$1,284 A$1,811

$1,926 A$2,716

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,489 A$7,740

$4,732 A$6,672

$6,436 A$9,074

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,574 A$6,449

$3,191 A$4,500

$5,170 A$7,289

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.34

5.45

7.2

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Ballina Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Ballina - Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll notice that Cost of Living in Ballina, Australia offers a measured balance of value and lifestyle. Compared with big cities, you’ll find more affordable housing options and lower day-to-day costs, especially if you choose to rent in residential outskirts or family-friendly neighborhoods. The town suits those who prioritize outdoor activities, a slower pace, and access to beaches without the city congestion. The groceries and casual meals can be reasonable if you shop locally and cook at home, while dining out ranges from laid-back cafés to seasonal eateries. In peak tourist seasons, expect busier streets and higher demand for short-term stays. Tip: plan ahead for peak season by booking modestly and exploring neighborhoods a short distance from the water for better value.

Daily life in Ballina blends coastal charm with practical budgeting. For housing, you’ll find a mix of apartments, duplexes, and modest homes; timing and neighborhood choice influence rents more than city status. Food options range from farmers markets and fresh seafood to casual eateries; cooking at home remains the most economical path. Transport leans toward car use, with decent bus links and river-side cycle routes. If you work remotely, nearby coworking spaces and cafés offer reliable Wi‑Fi. Ballina living cost varies by neighborhood, so scout areas near services for convenience. Tip: choose a base near town centers to cut trips.

Quality of life in Ballina rewards smart budgeting aligned with seasonality and lifestyle. Build a simple framework: housing plus daily living, then discretionary trips. In warmer months, you’ll likely price-in more outdoor activities and travel near waterways; off-season can offer quieter streets and lower crowding. Neighborhood fit hinges on pace and access: riverfront zones for easy strolls, inland streets for quieter living, and proximity to shops or beaches depending on your routine. When searching, leverage short-term stays to sample areas, and negotiate longer-term leases for better terms. Tip: keep a flexible plan and track your spending across categories to spot savings.