Cost of Living in Derby - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,678 monthly including rent, or $1,103 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,777 with rent, or $1,978 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,877 including rent, or $2,854 for daily expenses alone.

Derby sits 66–95% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 37% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.45 A$23.00
$13.15 A$18.40
$29.60 A$41.40
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$92.6 A$129
$61.7 A$86.3
$150 A$210
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.63 A$16.26
$11.63 A$16.26
$13.95 A$19.51
Cappuccino
$3.67 A$5.13
$2.92 A$4.08
$5.19 A$7.25
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.94 A$4.12
$2.15 A$3.00
$3.93 A$5.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16 A$3.02
$2.02 A$2.83
$3.03 A$4.24
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.83 A$9.56
$4.97 A$6.96
$8.70 A$12.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.29 A$10.20
$5.56 A$7.78
$10.42 A$14.58
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.44 A$2.02
$0.99 A$1.38
$2.47 A$3.45
White Bread (500g)
$2.73 A$3.82
$2.06 A$2.88
$4.26 A$5.96
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.39 A$3.35
$1.34 A$1.88
$3.73 A$5.22
Eggs
$5.11 A$7.15
$3.52 A$4.92
$7.23 A$10.12
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.87 A$15.21
$8.15 A$11.41
$20.39 A$28.53
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.97 A$15.35
$8.23 A$11.51
$13.99 A$19.57
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.90 A$22.24
$9.82 A$13.74
$22.66 A$31.70
Apples (1kg)
$3.30 A$4.62
$2.58 A$3.61
$4.52 A$6.32
Banana (1kg)
$3.08 A$4.30
$2.13 A$2.98
$4.27 A$5.97
Oranges (1kg)
$3.65 A$5.11
$2.32 A$3.25
$6.20 A$8.67
Tomato (1kg)
$4.72 A$6.60
$2.84 A$3.97
$6.96 A$9.73
Potato (1kg)
$2.51 A$3.51
$1.67 A$2.34
$3.35 A$4.69
Onion (1kg)
$2.21 A$3.09
$1.61 A$2.26
$2.58 A$3.62
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.77 A$3.87
$2.24 A$3.13
$3.59 A$5.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.57 A$2.20
$0.62 A$0.86
$3.40 A$4.76
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$38.84 A$54.3
$31.78 A$44.45
$48.02 A$67.2
Wine (Bottle)
$12.64 A$17.68
$9.48 A$13.27
$18.96 A$26.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.39 A$7.54
$3.04 A$4.25
$9.11 A$12.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.30 A$7.41
$2.83 A$3.95
$7.77 A$10.87
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.76 A$3.86
$1.79 A$2.50
$3.19 A$4.46
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$96.2 A$135
$64.2 A$89.8
$96.2 A$135
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.03 A$5.64
$2.98 A$4.16
$6.04 A$8.45
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.49 A$2.09
$1.43 A$2.00
$2.29 A$3.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$43.74 A$61.2
$39.38 A$55.1
$45.78 A$64.0
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33 A$1.86
$1.21 A$1.70
$1.55 A$2.16
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.1K A$40.7K
$28.9K A$40.4K
$32.4K A$45.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.4K A$43.9K
$26.6K A$37.2K
$43.1K A$60.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$221 A$310
$134 A$187
$326 A$457
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.02 A$33.60
$12.34 A$17.26
$41.96 A$58.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.3 A$75.9
$46.92 A$65.6
$67.0 A$93.8
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$60.4 A$84.5
$22.01 A$30.79
$75.5 A$106
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.28 A$25.57
$8.54 A$11.95
$18.28 A$25.57
Cinema Ticket
$16.69 A$23.35
$13.65 A$19.10
$21.62 A$30.24
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,074 A$2,901
$1,885 A$2,637
$2,559 A$3,579
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.3K A$28.4K
$11.3K A$15.8K
$29.5K A$41.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$75.8 A$106
$48.13 A$67.3
$103 A$144
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$60.7 A$84.9
$31.17 A$43.60
$93.5 A$131
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$112 A$156
$84.5 A$118
$162 A$227
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$122 A$171
$69.0 A$96.5
$172 A$241
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,425 A$1,993
$1,119 A$1,565
$1,468 A$2,054
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,440 A$2,014
$1,002 A$1,402
$1,511 A$2,114
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,617 A$3,660
$1,963 A$2,745
$3,107 A$4,347
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,711 A$2,393
$1,307 A$1,829
$1,901 A$2,660
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,294 A$8,804
$4,763 A$6,662
$6,294 A$8,804
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,859 A$8,196
$4,030 A$5,637
$6,488 A$9,076
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.85
5.45
6.5

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

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $385 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $93.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Public transport is priced at around $96.2 per month – above the Oceanian average of $60.0.

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 92% of cities in Oceania

3-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 90% of cities in Oceania

Derby Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 Derby - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derby, Australia a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with larger Australian cities?
Derby, Australia offers a compelling balance for those who want remote beauty with practical living costs. You will find accommodation options that fit a modest budget, especially if you are open to longer-term stays and smaller setups rather than luxury digs. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home tends to keep daily expenses reasonable, and there are casual cafes and coworking spaces that cater to digital nomads without the bustle of big cities. Public services are solid, but you will trade speed for pace and scenery, which many people value. Cost of Living in Derby, Australia reflects the remote setting – steady in some areas, higher for import-heavy goods. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods and connectivity.
What does daily life look like for housing, groceries, transport, and coworking in Derby, Australia?
Daily life centers on a practical rhythm: housing in the town comes in modest, functional options, with possible options along the river or near the town center. When it comes to food, you will find a mix of local markets, takeout spots, and cafes, with longer trips for specialty items. Transport often relies on a car or bicycle, since public transit is limited; domestic flights connect to larger hubs when you need to travel. For work or study, look for coworking with reliable Wi-Fi or community spaces tied to the region. Derby, Australia living cost varies by choice of accommodation and proximity to amenities. Tip: Build a three-month budget that accounts for fuel, groceries, and occasional trips.
How can you maximize quality of life in Derby, Australia while budgeting effectively – seasonality, neighborhoods, and value-driven choices?
Quality of life here blends outdoor access with a tight-knit community. To budget effectively, think in categories: housing, food, transport, and discretionary fun. Seasonality shapes energy costs and activities – the dry season offers clearer travel windows, while the wet season brings different outdoor pleasures and occasional maintenance needs. Neighborhood fit matters: river-adjacent pockets feel quieter and scenic, while the town center puts you near shops and cafés. Save by buying locally, sharing costs on longer trips, and choosing flexible work arrangements if possible. A practical framework helps you balance work, rest, and exploration without feeling rushed. Tip: Map your daily routes to minimize back-and-forth.
Why is Derby so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,678 per month to live in Derby once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Derby?
All in, Derby runs about $2,678 monthly with rent, or $1,103 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Derby?
Earning $4,017 monthly in Derby 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 rental price range for apartments in Derby?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Derby range from $1,440 to $1,425, 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.
Is public transport affordable in Derby?
A monthly transit pass in Derby runs about $96.2, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
Why are groceries so expensive in Derby?
A single person's grocery bill in Derby runs about $385 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in Derby?
At $2,678 in typical monthly expenses, a $3,000 budget barely covers Derby. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
What are the pros and cons of living in Derby?
Derby offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,678 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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