Cost of Living in Bendigo - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Bendigo
Address: Bendigo, AU

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,669 per month with rent, or $932 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,462 per month with rent, or $1,754 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,255 per month with rent, or $2,575 without housing.

Overall, Bendigo is 15–25% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 17% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.90 A$27.48

$11.28 A$15.58

$39.79 A$55.0

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$59.1 A$81.7

$46.01 A$63.5

$131 A$182

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.94 A$13.72

$9.27 A$12.81

$11.92 A$16.47

Cappuccino

$3.57 A$4.92

$2.86 A$3.95

$4.52 A$6.25

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

$2.63 A$3.64

$2.01 A$2.77

$4.01 A$5.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.26 A$3.12

$1.61 A$2.23

$3.22 A$4.44

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.17 A$9.91

$3.82 A$5.28

$9.56 A$13.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.42 A$6.10

$9.47 A$13.09

Milk (1 liter)

$1.06 A$1.46

$0.83 A$1.15

$2.49 A$3.45

White Bread (500g)

$2.59 A$3.57

$1.62 A$2.24

$3.88 A$5.36

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.31 A$3.20

$1.18 A$1.63

$3.27 A$4.52

Eggs

$4.37 A$6.04

$3.15 A$4.35

$7.09 A$9.79

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.07 A$12.53

$5.59 A$7.72

$23.70 A$32.73

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.08 A$12.54

$6.16 A$8.51

$12.32 A$17.02

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.45 A$19.96

$7.67 A$10.59

$23.01 A$31.79

Apples (1kg)

$3.31 A$4.57

$2.33 A$3.21

$3.98 A$5.50

Banana (1kg)

$2.88 A$3.98

$1.97 A$2.72

$4.60 A$6.35

Oranges (1kg)

$2.90 A$4.01

$1.82 A$2.52

$5.73 A$7.92

Tomato (1kg)

$3.92 A$5.41

$2.48 A$3.43

$6.35 A$8.77

Potato (1kg)

$2.25 A$3.10

$1.61 A$2.22

$3.84 A$5.31

Onion (1kg)

$1.91 A$2.64

$1.27 A$1.76

$2.87 A$3.96

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.15 A$2.96

$1.29 A$1.77

$3.86 A$5.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.64 A$2.26

$0.53 A$0.73

$3.31 A$4.57

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$23.43 A$32.36

$42.31 A$58.4

Wine (Bottle)

$10.01 A$13.83

$8.90 A$12.29

$25.96 A$35.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.52 A$6.24

$2.56 A$3.54

$9.61 A$13.28

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.19 A$7.17

$2.95 A$4.07

$7.85 A$10.84

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$4.17 A$5.76

$1.92 A$2.65

$6.40 A$8.85

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$54.3 A$75.0

$52.6 A$72.7

$55.9 A$77.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.59 A$4.96

$3.16 A$4.36

$6.52 A$9.00

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.38 A$1.91

$1.18 A$1.63

$2.52 A$3.48

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.87 A$17.77

$41.81 A$57.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.14 A$1.58

$1.07 A$1.48

$1.38 A$1.91

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

$25.0K A$34.5K

$21.3K A$29.4K

$28.6K A$39.6K

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

$18.2K A$25.1K

$25.3K A$35.0K

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

$152 A$210

$102 A$141

$261 A$360

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

$19.38 A$26.76

$12.28 A$16.95

$38.75 A$53.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.54 A$65.7

$42.14 A$58.2

$64.8 A$89.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$58.8 A$81.2

$19.60 A$27.08

$58.8 A$81.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.30 A$25.28

$7.85 A$10.84

$18.30 A$25.28

Cinema Ticket

$10.39 A$14.35

$6.49 A$8.96

$18.18 A$25.11

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

$1,184 A$1,635

$900 A$1,243

$2,104 A$2,907

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$19.0K A$26.2K

$12.8K A$17.6K

$27.4K A$37.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$64.6 A$89.3

$32.31 A$44.63

$96.9 A$134

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$53.7 A$74.1

$26.14 A$36.10

$98.0 A$135

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$108 A$149

$66.2 A$91.5

$166 A$229

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$104 A$144

$65.0 A$89.8

$163 A$224

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$639 A$883

$230 A$317

$1,049 A$1,449

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$495 A$684

$198 A$274

$792 A$1,094

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$959 A$1,324

$387 A$535

$1,291 A$1,784

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$675 A$932

$296 A$409

$1,054 A$1,455

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,448 A$6,144

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,081 A$5,637

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,420 A$4,723

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.19

5.2

6.92

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

Last update: May 9, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $639, dropping to $495 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 19% of the average salary ($3,420) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,420 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,669. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,504.

Groceries cost around $336 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $59.0 – broadly in line with the Oceanian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $54.3 – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Cost Highlights

Bendigo has the 10th cheapest 3-bedroom apartment, city center in Oceania

Milk is cheaper than 95% of cities in Oceania

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 95% of cities in Oceania

Bendigo Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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

City tags:

Cost of Living in Bendigo - Frequently Asked Questions

Among Australian cities, Bendigo feels approachable with a mix of amenities, a walkable center, and a slower tempo. Cost of Living in Bendigo, Australia is generally more approachable than Melbourne or Sydney, with a compact core and a range of neighborhoods that blend heritage charm with newer apartment blocks. Housing can be reasonable for a regional city, and groceries, dining, and services cover a wide budget spectrum. Practical wins include frequent community events, good internet, and dependable regional transport for trips around the area. Tip: plan a long weekend to scout neighborhoods and housing options before you settle.

Daily life centers on a friendly, compact city with varied neighborhoods. Bendigo living cost shapes choices about where to live; you can find character terraces near the center or larger homes in quieter suburbs with easy commutes. Food runs from lively markets and cafe scenes to reliable supermarket options. Transport is practical here: buses connect key areas and cycling is common in good weather, while many use a car for weekend trips beyond the city. Coworking spaces and cafes with reliable wifi support remote work well for digital nomads. Tip: explore a mix of areas to find your balance.

To stretch every dollar and enjoy quality life, use a simple budgeting framework focused on housing, utilities, and weekly groceries at a sustainable pace. Start with a preferred neighborhood feel by visiting both the city center and outer suburbs at different times to sense noise, access, and pace. Seasonality matters in Bendigo for outdoor activities and energy use, so plan for hotter months with shade and cooling strategies. Look for community hubs, free events, and seasonal markets to extend your entertainment budget. Tip: join local groups to learn about hidden spots and seasonal happenings.

Housing in Bendigo takes a heavy bite – about 19% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.

Plan for roughly $1,669 a month in Bendigo if you're renting, or around $932 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.

You'll want at least $2,504 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Bendigo. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.

In Bendigo's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $639 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $495. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.

Groceries in Bendigo run about $336 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.

Public transport in Bendigo costs about $54.3 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.

$1,200 is below the $1,669 average in Bendigo, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.

Quality of life in Bendigo is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $1,669. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

Bendigo is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,669, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.