Cost of Living in Broken Hill - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,244 monthly including rent, or $934 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,324 with rent, or $1,744 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,404 including rent, or $2,555 for daily expenses alone.

Broken Hill sits 56–67% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are slightly above average (12%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.11 A$22.44
$10.96 A$15.27
$32.21 A$44.89
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$79.1 A$110
$52.7 A$73.5
$132 A$184
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.48 A$13.21
$8.85 A$12.33
$11.38 A$15.85
Cappuccino
$3.51 A$4.90
$2.80 A$3.90
$5.04 A$7.03
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.50 A$3.48
$1.90 A$2.65
$3.17 A$4.42
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16 A$3.02
$1.64 A$2.29
$2.95 A$4.11
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.33 A$8.82
$4.43 A$6.17
$8.87 A$12.36
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.98 A$9.72
$5.10 A$7.10
$9.56 A$13.33
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.43 A$2.00
$0.96 A$1.34
$2.55 A$3.56
White Bread (500g)
$2.40 A$3.34
$1.44 A$2.01
$3.93 A$5.47
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.97 A$2.75
$1.16 A$1.61
$3.22 A$4.48
Eggs
$4.37 A$6.09
$3.15 A$4.39
$6.29 A$8.77
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.48 A$11.81
$6.18 A$8.61
$16.18 A$22.54
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.45 A$11.77
$6.21 A$8.65
$11.11 A$15.48
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.64 A$19.01
$7.79 A$10.85
$19.35 A$26.97
Apples (1kg)
$3.21 A$4.47
$2.24 A$3.13
$4.16 A$5.80
Banana (1kg)
$2.75 A$3.83
$1.92 A$2.68
$4.55 A$6.34
Oranges (1kg)
$2.95 A$4.11
$1.64 A$2.29
$5.86 A$8.16
Tomato (1kg)
$4.06 A$5.65
$2.25 A$3.14
$5.78 A$8.05
Potato (1kg)
$2.39 A$3.33
$1.26 A$1.76
$3.15 A$4.40
Onion (1kg)
$2.09 A$2.91
$1.27 A$1.77
$2.86 A$3.99
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.19 A$3.05
$1.33 A$1.86
$3.01 A$4.19
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.52 A$2.11
$0.51 A$0.71
$3.18 A$4.43
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$30.68 A$42.76
$25.84 A$36.00
$38.76 A$54.0
Wine (Bottle)
$16.19 A$22.56
$12.14 A$16.92
$24.28 A$33.83
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.51 A$6.28
$2.57 A$3.58
$7.70 A$10.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.42 A$7.56
$2.97 A$4.14
$7.91 A$11.02
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.67 A$3.72
$1.94 A$2.70
$3.34 A$4.65
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$65.1 A$90.8
$22.79 A$31.76
$65.1 A$90.8
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.66 A$5.10
$2.79 A$3.89
$5.98 A$8.33
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.59 A$2.22
$1.43 A$2.00
$1.88 A$2.62
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$32.90 A$45.84
$31.88 A$44.42
$39.85 A$55.5
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 A$1.65
$1.08 A$1.51
$1.42 A$1.98
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.7K A$40.0K
$25.8K A$36.0K
$28.7K A$40.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.2K A$31.0K
$20.6K A$28.7K
$25.7K A$35.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$183 A$255
$102 A$142
$324 A$452
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.13 A$37.80
$12.88 A$17.95
$48.30 A$67.3
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$51.7 A$72.0
$44.39 A$61.9
$67.1 A$93.4
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$47.81 A$66.6
$19.13 A$26.66
$57.4 A$80.0
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.75 A$21.95
$7.83 A$10.91
$15.75 A$21.95
Cinema Ticket
$13.15 A$18.33
$11.84 A$16.50
$18.41 A$25.66
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,619 A$2,256
$887 A$1,235
$2,202 A$3,068
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.1K A$16.9K
$6,543 A$9,118
$17.7K A$24.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$68.3 A$95.1
$41.43 A$57.7
$97.9 A$136
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.0 A$71.0
$26.23 A$36.55
$78.7 A$110
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.1 A$137
$64.3 A$89.5
$141 A$197
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109 A$152
$66.3 A$92.4
$166 A$231
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,271 A$1,771
$1,047 A$1,459
$1,341 A$1,869
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,053 A$1,467
$655 A$913
$1,172 A$1,633
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,003 A$2,792
$1,616 A$2,251
$2,456 A$3,422
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,673 A$2,331
$1,296 A$1,806
$1,944 A$2,709
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,685 A$7,922
$4,670 A$6,508
$6,402 A$8,921
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,981 A$6,941
$3,453 A$4,812
$5,560 A$7,747
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
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: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $341 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $79.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $57.0.

Public transport is priced at around $65.1 per month – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Cost Highlights

Broken Hill is more expensive than 73% of cities worldwide and 71% within Oceania.

Broken Hill Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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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 Broken Hill - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broken Hill affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value there?
Broken Hill offers a slower, more approachable lifestyle for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want predictable daily costs without the crowds of bigger cities. Relative to coastal metropolises, you’ll likely find housing options that feel roomy, with opportunities for short-term leases or co-living setups that suit a nomadic schedule. Food and services tend to revolve around local markets and cafes that align with a casual pace, while transport is practical via car or bus connections to surrounding towns. The vibe attracts remote workers, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who value space, quiet, and outdoor recreation. Cost of Living in Broken Hill, Australia is generally seen as reasonable for a flexible, uncomplicated life. Tip: Start with a short stay to test neighborhoods and amenities.
What does a typical day look like for daily life here, including housing search steps, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life centers on a compact center with essential services and outdoor breaks between errands. To find housing, start with local rental listings and consider longer-term lets in CBD-adjacent streets or quieter outer pockets; flexible lease terms work well for nomads. Groceries and dining lean local – shop at markets and bakeries for fresh items, then mix home cooking with casual cafe meals. Getting around is feasible by car or ride-share, and walking is pleasant in town. There are small coworking spaces and library desks for working days. The Broken Hill, Australia living cost nudges you toward longer stays and budget-aware choices for utilities and meals. Tip: Build a simple weekly plan to balance work and exploration.
What about quality of life and budgeting – what frameworks help you save, and how do you pick a neighborhood that fits your pace and seasonality?
Quality of life here revolves around space, sun, and community. A practical budgeting approach helps you stretch a modest income: plan for seasonal fluctuations in energy use, prioritize long-term stays in walkable neighborhoods, and balance dining out with home cooking using local produce. Community events, outdoor adventures, and arts around the heritage precinct add richness without high price tags. For neighborhood fit, consider proximity to the CBD for easy errands or quieter pockets near parks and schools; daytime strolls and blue skies are common. Seasonal shifts mainly influence outdoor plans, so have flexible work schedules and indoor options during peak heat or wet spells. Tip: build a simple routine that maps work blocks to exploration days.
How expensive is daily life in Broken Hill?
Everyday life in Broken Hill is moderately priced at about $2,244 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How much does it cost to live in Broken Hill per month?
Plan for roughly $2,244 a month in Broken Hill if you're renting, or around $934 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.
How much should you earn to live well in Broken Hill?
Earning $3,366 monthly in Broken Hill means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Broken Hill?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Broken Hill range from $1,053 to $1,271, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Broken Hill?
A monthly transit pass in Broken Hill goes for roughly $65.1, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Broken Hill?
Childcare averages $1,619 monthly at a private kindergarten in Broken Hill. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Broken Hill?
Living on $2,500 in Broken Hill means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,244. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Broken Hill a good city to live in long-term?
Broken Hill offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,244 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

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