Last update: Oct 2026 Australia 100.6K

Cost of Living in Bendigo

Name: Bendigo
Address: Bendigo, AU

For one person, living costs in Bendigo are estimated at $2,012 a month, including rent and utilities – 21% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about half of the total.

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Bendigo

🇦🇺 Australia

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bendigo

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bendigo actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,012 per month with rent, or $1,028 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,012 /mo

A couple spends around $2,956 per month with rent, or $1,776 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,956 /mo

A family of three spends around $3,900 per month with rent, or $2,524 without housing.

$3,900 /mo

Overall, Bendigo is 38–49% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are slightly above average (6%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.10 A$24.56

$10.94 A$15.71

$41.02 A$58.9

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.8 A$109

$55.1 A$79.2

$138 A$198

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.47 A$17.91

$11.33 A$16.27

$14.16 A$20.35

Cappuccino

$3.95 A$5.67

$2.74 A$3.93

$5.48 A$7.88

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

$3.12 A$4.49

$2.11 A$3.03

$4.21 A$6.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 A$3.55

$2.07 A$2.98

$3.45 A$4.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$9.83 A$14.12

$4.22 A$6.06

$14.05 A$20.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.47 A$12.17

$4.94 A$7.10

$15.54 A$22.32

Milk (1 liter)

$1.29 A$1.86

$0.88 A$1.27

$2.56 A$3.68

White Bread (500g)

$2.96 A$4.25

$2.11 A$3.03

$4.39 A$6.31

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.53 A$3.63

$1.35 A$1.94

$6.77 A$9.72

Eggs

$4.71 A$6.76

$3.53 A$5.07

$8.47 A$12.17

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.27 A$14.76

$6.16 A$8.85

$27.39 A$39.35

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.70 A$13.94

$6.21 A$8.92

$13.81 A$19.84

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.28 A$14.77

$20.56 A$29.53

Apples (1kg)

$3.45 A$4.96

$2.76 A$3.96

$5.52 A$7.94

Banana (1kg)

$3.07 A$4.41

$2.39 A$3.43

$4.90 A$7.04

Oranges (1kg)

$3.11 A$4.47

$1.36 A$1.96

$6.08 A$8.73

Tomato (1kg)

$4.85 A$6.97

$2.86 A$4.10

$7.15 A$10.27

Potato (1kg)

$2.74 A$3.93

$1.37 A$1.97

$3.64 A$5.22

Onion (1kg)

$2.58 A$3.71

$1.43 A$2.05

$3.54 A$5.09

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.37 A$3.40

$2.04 A$2.93

$3.39 A$4.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.59 A$2.28

$0.58 A$0.83

$4.15 A$5.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$43.74 A$62.8

$24.61 A$35.35

$44.43 A$63.8

Wine (Bottle)

$10.25 A$14.73

$9.56 A$13.74

$20.50 A$29.46

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$5.25 A$7.55

$3.47 A$4.98

$8.45 A$12.14

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.33 A$7.66

$2.86 A$4.11

$8.59 A$12.35

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.43 A$4.92

$2.06 A$2.96

$6.85 A$9.84

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$58.4 A$83.8

$56.6 A$81.3

$60.1 A$86.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.14 A$5.95

$3.45 A$4.95

$6.90 A$9.91

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.37 A$1.97

$1.36 A$1.95

$2.74 A$3.94

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$14.20 A$20.40

$32.83 A$47.17

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 A$1.76

$1.11 A$1.60

$1.71 A$2.46

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

$27.3K A$39.3K

$23.3K A$33.5K

$31.4K A$45.1K

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

$19.1K A$27.5K

$27.3K A$39.2K

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

$140 A$201

$349 A$502

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

$28.06 A$40.31

$14.09 A$20.25

$42.27 A$60.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$57.2 A$82.2

$45.83 A$65.8

$84.6 A$122

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.55 A$28.09

Cinema Ticket

$12.47 A$17.91

$6.92 A$9.95

$20.77 A$29.84

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

$2,108 A$3,028

$2,737 A$3,932

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.7K A$42.7K

$17.3K A$24.9K

$38.7K A$55.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$78.6 A$113

$47.76 A$68.6

$102 A$147

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.88 A$70.2

$27.29 A$39.21

$75.1 A$108

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$121 A$173

$70.3 A$101

$176 A$253

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$133 A$190

$105 A$150

$174 A$250

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,127 A$1,619

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$845 A$1,213

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,353 A$1,943

$1,302 A$1,870

$1,403 A$2,016

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,236 A$1,776

$1,099 A$1,578

$1,373 A$1,973

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,398 A$6,318

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,852 A$5,534

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,038 A$4,364

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.9

6.5

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Bendigo $2,012

Accommodation & Living

$845 42%

Groceries & Markets

$353 17.6%

Eating Out

$310 15.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$225 11.2%

Clothing & Footwear

$171 8.5%

Getting Around

$83 4.1%

Sport & Entertainment

$25 * 1.2%

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,127, dropping to $845 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 37% of the average salary ($3,038) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,038 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,012. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,018.

Groceries cost around $353 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76.0 – above the Oceanian average of $57.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $58.4 – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $59.0.

Cost Highlights

Bendigo has the 6th most expensive local beer in Oceania

Fast food meal is more expensive than 93% of cities in Oceania

Gasoline is cheaper than 91% of cities in Oceania

Good to know

🕒 Local time

20:48 8:48 PM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

100,649

💱 Currency

Australian Dollar AUD $

📈 Exchange rate

1 AUD = 0.696 USD

1 AUD = 0.619 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

On the map

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Bendigo

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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

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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 37% 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 $2,012 a month in Bendigo if you're renting, or around $1,028 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 $3,018 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.

A central one-bedroom apartment in Bendigo runs about $1,127 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $845. 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 $353 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.

Grocery spending in Bendigo lands around $353 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.

$2,500 is below the $2,012 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 $2,012. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.