Last update: Oct 2026 Australia 8.5K

Cost of Living in Forbes

For one person, living costs in Forbes are estimated at $2,543 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $35 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Forbes

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

Living costs for one person come to about $2,543 monthly including rent, or $1,070 excluding housing.

$2,543 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,751 with rent, or $1,896 without housing.

$3,751 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,958 including rent, or $2,722 for daily expenses alone.

$4,958 /mo

Forbes sits 75–87% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 33% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Forbes? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.91 A$22.63
$12.73 A$18.10
$28.65 A$40.74
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$94.9 A$135
$63.3 A$90.0
$158 A$225
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.31 A$16.08
$11.31 A$16.08
$13.57 A$19.29
Cappuccino
$3.52 A$5.00
$2.78 A$3.95
$4.94 A$7.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.99 A$4.25
$2.19 A$3.12
$4.03 A$5.73
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.37 A$3.37
$2.19 A$3.12
$3.49 A$4.96
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.98 A$9.92
$5.08 A$7.22
$9.21 A$13.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.40 A$10.53
$5.51 A$7.83
$10.33 A$14.69
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.69 A$2.41
$1.22 A$1.74
$2.89 A$4.11
White Bread (500g)
$2.42 A$3.44
$1.79 A$2.55
$3.77 A$5.36
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.14 A$3.04
$1.19 A$1.69
$3.31 A$4.71
Eggs
$5.00 A$7.11
$3.51 A$4.99
$7.66 A$10.89
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.16 A$14.45
$7.64 A$10.87
$19.12 A$27.18
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.52 A$13.54
$7.19 A$10.22
$12.72 A$18.09
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.72 A$19.50
$9.13 A$12.98
$19.55 A$27.80
Apples (1kg)
$3.78 A$5.37
$2.79 A$3.97
$5.39 A$7.66
Banana (1kg)
$3.01 A$4.28
$2.19 A$3.12
$4.47 A$6.35
Oranges (1kg)
$3.55 A$5.05
$2.17 A$3.08
$6.14 A$8.72
Tomato (1kg)
$4.92 A$7.00
$2.96 A$4.21
$7.31 A$10.40
Potato (1kg)
$2.50 A$3.55
$1.29 A$1.84
$3.35 A$4.76
Onion (1kg)
$2.55 A$3.63
$1.47 A$2.09
$3.30 A$4.69
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.28 A$3.24
$1.78 A$2.53
$3.03 A$4.30
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.45 A$2.06
$0.56 A$0.80
$2.92 A$4.15
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$46.43 A$66.0
$34.83 A$49.53
$50.3 A$71.5
Wine (Bottle)
$12.36 A$17.58
$8.66 A$12.31
$18.55 A$26.38
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.75 A$6.75
$2.82 A$4.01
$8.32 A$11.83
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.80 A$8.24
$3.10 A$4.40
$9.30 A$13.23
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.66 A$3.78
$1.56 A$2.21
$3.39 A$4.82
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$78.5 A$112
$45.77 A$65.1
$78.5 A$112
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.70 A$5.27
$2.83 A$4.02
$5.74 A$8.16
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.72 A$2.45
$1.65 A$2.34
$2.81 A$4.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$45.70 A$65.0
$40.49 A$57.6
$47.83 A$68.0
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 A$1.78
$1.07 A$1.52
$1.48 A$2.10
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.8K A$48.1K
$31.2K A$44.3K
$34.2K A$48.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.1K A$40.0K
$26.3K A$37.4K
$33.7K A$47.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$195 A$277
$122 A$173
$296 A$420
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.66 A$33.64
$11.95 A$16.99
$40.63 A$57.8
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.4 A$75.9
$46.07 A$65.5
$65.8 A$93.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$59.1 A$84.0
$21.55 A$30.64
$59.1 A$84.0
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.72 A$28.04
$8.56 A$12.16
$19.72 A$28.04
Cinema Ticket
$12.05 A$17.14
$10.85 A$15.43
$16.27 A$23.14
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,301 A$3,271
$2,223 A$3,161
$2,828 A$4,022
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$21.3K A$30.3K
$11.9K A$16.9K
$31.0K A$44.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$80.6 A$115
$55.0 A$78.2
$110 A$156
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$56.7 A$80.7
$29.15 A$41.45
$87.5 A$124
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$117 A$166
$91.0 A$129
$171 A$243
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$124 A$176
$70.7 A$101
$177 A$251
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,558 A$2,215
$1,246 A$1,772
$1,713 A$2,436
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,278 A$1,817
$946 A$1,345
$1,434 A$2,039
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,463 A$3,501
$1,838 A$2,614
$2,949 A$4,193
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,041 A$2,903
$1,574 A$2,239
$2,289 A$3,255
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,228 A$7,433
$3,318 A$4,718
$5,447 A$7,745
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,146 A$7,317
$3,505 A$4,984
$5,146 A$7,317
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.9
5
6.6

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

Last update: October 27, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Forbes $2,543
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$364
Eating Out
$275
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$272
Clothing & Footwear
$170
Getting Around
$101
Sport & Entertainment
$83

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $364 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $95 for two – above the Oceanian average of $57.

Public transport is priced at around $78 per month – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $76.

Cost Highlights

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is more expensive than 92% of cities in Oceania

Forbes is more expensive than 83% of cities worldwide and 71% within Oceania.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
23:59 11:59 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
8,481
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to AUD – Australian Dollar Converter

Australian Dollar exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 USD = 1.42 AUD (1 AUD = 0.703 USD). 1 EUR = 1.58 AUD (1 AUD = 0.632 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Forbes

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Forbes 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
City tags:
Cost of Living in Forbes - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forbes, Australia a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger cities in terms of affordability?
For most travelers, expats, and digital nomads, Forbes, Australia offers a practical balance between affordability and a solid local lifestyle. The Cost of Living in Forbes, Australia tends to be more approachable than major capitals, with housing options that range from compact rentals to shared arrangements that fit different budgets. You’ll enjoy reliable essentials, friendly neighborhoods, and a pace that supports focus work or leisure without the big-city premium. Some services or specialty dining may be more limited, so align expectations with your daily routines. Tip: map out a few neighborhoods and test transit to spot where costs and convenience meet.
What does daily life look like for housing, groceries, transport, and coworking in Forbes, Australia, for someone visiting or staying long-term?
Forbes, Australia living cost varies with location and lifestyle, but you typically find a straightforward balance of housing, groceries, and transport compared with big cities. For daily life, start with a short-term rental or furnished option to test an area before committing. Grocery shopping at local markets keeps costs reasonable, while cafes and restaurants offer affordable options during weekdays. Transport leans on car use or local buses, with cycling as a practical alternative. Co-working spaces can support remote work, and casual networking often happens in community hubs. Tip: focus on a central neighborhood with easy access to services and transit to keep daily costs predictable.
How can you assess quality of life, budget effectively, and choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle in Forbes, Australia?
Quality of life in Forbes, Australia blends outdoor access, a sense of community, and practical services that suit varied budgets. A simple budgeting framework helps you stay on track: separate fixed costs (rent, utilities, transportation) from flexible spending (groceries, dining, entertainment), then set weekly limits and review them monthly. Expect seasonal shifts in housing demand and activity calendars; plan ahead for peak periods and slower stretches. Neighborhood fit matters – look for areas with safe streets, proximity to shops, good internet, and easy transit. Tip: test a few blocks at different times of day to gauge vibe, convenience, and overall value.
Why is Forbes so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,543 per month to live in Forbes 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 Forbes?
All in, Forbes runs about $2,543 monthly with rent, or $1,070 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 Forbes?
Earning $3,814 monthly in Forbes 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 Forbes?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Forbes range from $1,278 to $1,558, 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 Forbes?
A monthly transit pass in Forbes runs about $78, 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 Forbes?
A single person’s grocery bill in Forbes runs about $364 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city’s overall high price level.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Forbes?
Yes, but with a modest margin: monthly costs with rent average $2,543 in Forbes, so $3,000 handles the essentials and some extras. Pricier neighborhoods or frequent dining out would quickly use up the difference.
What are the pros and cons of living in Forbes?
Forbes offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,543 per month, it’s accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

Forbes vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?