Cost of Living in Forbes - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,253 monthly including rent, or $1,050 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,312 with rent, or $1,713 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,370 including rent, or $2,375 for daily expenses alone.

Forbes sits 56–68% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are slightly above average (13%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.01 A$22.26
$10.89 A$15.14
$32.03 A$44.52
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$77.3 A$107
$51.5 A$71.6
$129 A$179
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.55 A$13.28
$8.92 A$12.39
$11.46 A$15.93
Cappuccino
$3.38 A$4.70
$2.69 A$3.74
$4.85 A$6.75
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.61 A$3.63
$1.99 A$2.77
$3.32 A$4.61
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 A$3.02
$1.65 A$2.29
$2.96 A$4.12
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.52 A$9.06
$4.56 A$6.34
$9.14 A$12.70
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.93 A$9.63
$5.06 A$7.04
$9.50 A$13.21
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.42 A$1.97
$0.95 A$1.32
$2.52 A$3.51
White Bread (500g)
$2.43 A$3.38
$1.46 A$2.03
$3.98 A$5.53
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.98 A$2.75
$1.16 A$1.62
$3.23 A$4.49
Eggs
$4.36 A$6.06
$3.14 A$4.37
$6.28 A$8.73
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.64 A$12.01
$6.30 A$8.76
$16.50 A$22.93
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.62 A$11.98
$6.33 A$8.80
$11.33 A$15.75
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.74 A$19.10
$7.84 A$10.90
$19.49 A$27.09
Apples (1kg)
$3.24 A$4.50
$2.27 A$3.15
$4.20 A$5.84
Banana (1kg)
$2.81 A$3.91
$1.96 A$2.73
$4.65 A$6.47
Oranges (1kg)
$2.95 A$4.10
$1.64 A$2.28
$5.86 A$8.15
Tomato (1kg)
$4.07 A$5.66
$2.26 A$3.14
$5.79 A$8.05
Potato (1kg)
$2.39 A$3.32
$1.26 A$1.75
$3.15 A$4.38
Onion (1kg)
$2.10 A$2.92
$1.28 A$1.78
$2.88 A$4.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.11 A$2.93
$1.29 A$1.79
$2.90 A$4.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.53 A$2.13
$0.51 A$0.71
$3.21 A$4.46
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$31.13 A$43.28
$26.22 A$36.44
$39.33 A$54.7
Wine (Bottle)
$13.48 A$18.73
$10.11 A$14.05
$20.22 A$28.11
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.48 A$6.22
$2.55 A$3.54
$7.64 A$10.62
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.23 A$7.27
$2.86 A$3.98
$7.62 A$10.60
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.62 A$3.64
$1.90 A$2.65
$3.27 A$4.55
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$64.1 A$89.0
$22.42 A$31.16
$64.1 A$89.0
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.54 A$4.92
$2.70 A$3.75
$5.78 A$8.03
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.53 A$2.13
$1.38 A$1.92
$1.81 A$2.51
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.24 A$46.21
$32.21 A$44.78
$40.27 A$56.0
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 A$1.57
$1.03 A$1.43
$1.35 A$1.88
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.6K A$39.8K
$25.8K A$35.8K
$28.6K A$39.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.3K A$31.0K
$20.6K A$28.7K
$25.8K A$35.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$186 A$258
$104 A$144
$330 A$459
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.73 A$38.55
$13.17 A$18.30
$49.37 A$68.6
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.2 A$74.0
$45.73 A$63.6
$69.1 A$96.0
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.41 A$68.7
$19.77 A$27.48
$59.3 A$82.4
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.48 A$21.52
$7.70 A$10.70
$15.48 A$21.52
Cinema Ticket
$13.18 A$18.32
$11.86 A$16.49
$18.44 A$25.64
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,600 A$2,224
$876 A$1,218
$2,176 A$3,025
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.8K A$16.4K
$6,394 A$8,887
$17.3K A$24.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$67.9 A$94.4
$41.19 A$57.3
$97.3 A$135
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.2 A$71.2
$26.35 A$36.63
$79.1 A$110
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.0 A$136
$64.1 A$89.2
$141 A$196
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108 A$150
$65.2 A$90.6
$163 A$227
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,278 A$1,777
$1,053 A$1,464
$1,349 A$1,875
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,070 A$1,488
$666 A$926
$1,192 A$1,656
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,026 A$2,816
$1,634 A$2,271
$2,483 A$3,452
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,680 A$2,336
$1,302 A$1,809
$1,953 A$2,714
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,262 A$8,704
$5,398 A$7,504
$7,342 A$10.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,125 A$7,124
$3,575 A$4,970
$5,792 A$8,051
💵 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: April 26, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $337 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $77.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $56.0.

Public transport is priced at around $64.1 per month – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 90% of cities in Oceania

Forbes is more expensive than 73% of cities worldwide and 76% within Oceania.

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
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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.
Is Forbes affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Forbes is moderately priced at about $2,253 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Forbes?
All in, Forbes runs about $2,253 monthly with rent, or $1,050 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 $3,380 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 $1,070 to $1,278, 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 $64.1, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Forbes?
At about $337 monthly, food costs in Forbes sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $1,000 cover living expenses in Forbes?
Living on $1,000 in Forbes means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,253. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
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 $2,253 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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