Cost of Living in Karratha - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,346 per month with rent, or $1,128 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,405 per month with rent, or $1,808 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,464 per month with rent, or $2,489 without housing.

Overall, Karratha is 56–75% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 19% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$27.30 A$38.22
$22.48 A$31.48
$32.12 A$44.97
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$79.4 A$111
$53.0 A$74.1
$132 A$185
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.06 A$12.68
$8.24 A$11.53
$9.89 A$13.84
Cappuccino
$3.65 A$5.12
$3.22 A$4.51
$4.19 A$5.86
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.13 A$4.39
$2.65 A$3.70
$3.44 A$4.82
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21 A$3.10
$1.89 A$2.65
$2.52 A$3.53
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.42 A$8.98
$4.49 A$6.29
$8.99 A$12.59
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.15 A$10.00
$5.22 A$7.31
$9.79 A$13.71
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 A$2.08
$1.00 A$1.40
$2.65 A$3.71
White Bread (500g)
$2.40 A$3.36
$1.44 A$2.02
$3.93 A$5.51
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.01 A$2.81
$1.18 A$1.65
$3.28 A$4.60
Eggs
$4.27 A$5.98
$3.08 A$4.31
$6.16 A$8.62
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.48 A$11.88
$6.18 A$8.66
$16.19 A$22.67
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.29 A$11.61
$6.09 A$8.53
$10.91 A$15.27
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.44 A$18.81
$7.67 A$10.73
$19.06 A$26.69
Apples (1kg)
$3.28 A$4.59
$2.29 A$3.21
$4.26 A$5.96
Banana (1kg)
$2.85 A$3.99
$1.99 A$2.79
$4.72 A$6.61
Oranges (1kg)
$3.02 A$4.22
$1.68 A$2.35
$5.99 A$8.39
Tomato (1kg)
$4.10 A$5.74
$2.27 A$3.18
$5.83 A$8.17
Potato (1kg)
$2.44 A$3.42
$1.29 A$1.81
$3.23 A$4.52
Onion (1kg)
$2.12 A$2.96
$1.29 A$1.80
$2.90 A$4.06
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.10 A$2.94
$1.28 A$1.80
$2.89 A$4.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.54 A$2.16
$0.52 A$0.72
$3.23 A$4.52
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$30.97 A$43.36
$26.08 A$36.51
$39.12 A$54.8
Wine (Bottle)
$14.47 A$20.26
$10.86 A$15.21
$21.72 A$30.41
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.47 A$6.26
$2.55 A$3.56
$7.64 A$10.69
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.31 A$7.43
$2.91 A$4.07
$7.74 A$10.83
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.66 A$3.72
$1.93 A$2.71
$3.33 A$4.66
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$65.2 A$91.3
$22.81 A$31.94
$65.2 A$91.3
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.49 A$4.88
$2.66 A$3.72
$5.70 A$7.98
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.53 A$2.15
$1.38 A$1.93
$1.81 A$2.53
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.11 A$46.35
$32.08 A$44.91
$40.10 A$56.1
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 A$1.58
$1.03 A$1.44
$1.35 A$1.89
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.6K A$40.1K
$25.8K A$36.1K
$28.6K A$40.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.8K A$32.0K
$21.1K A$29.6K
$26.4K A$37.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$186 A$260
$104 A$145
$330 A$462
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.63 A$38.68
$13.12 A$18.36
$49.18 A$68.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$51.8 A$72.6
$44.52 A$62.3
$67.3 A$94.2
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.66 A$69.5
$19.87 A$27.82
$59.6 A$83.5
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.78 A$22.09
$7.84 A$10.98
$15.78 A$22.09
Cinema Ticket
$12.80 A$17.92
$11.52 A$16.13
$17.91 A$25.08
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,632 A$2,285
$894 A$1,251
$2,219 A$3,107
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.9K A$16.6K
$6,422 A$8,991
$17.3K A$24.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$67.0 A$93.9
$40.68 A$57.0
$96.1 A$135
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$50.3 A$70.4
$25.89 A$36.24
$77.7 A$109
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.8 A$138
$64.7 A$90.5
$142 A$199
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$105 A$147
$63.8 A$89.4
$160 A$223
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,273 A$1,782
$1,049 A$1,468
$1,344 A$1,881
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,065 A$1,491
$663 A$928
$1,186 A$1,660
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,037 A$2,852
$1,643 A$2,300
$2,497 A$3,496
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,660 A$2,324
$1,286 A$1,800
$1,929 A$2,701
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,335 A$7,468
$4,537 A$6,351
$6,007 A$8,410
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,722 A$6,611
$3,328 A$4,660
$5,359 A$7,502
💵 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 21, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $338 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $79 – above the Oceanian average of $56.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $65 – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.

Cost Highlights

Karratha has the 5th most expensive meal at budget restaurant in Oceania

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 94% of cities in Oceania

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 92% of cities in Oceania

Karratha 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 Karratha - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Karratha compare for overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Karratha sits in the Pilbara and is a hometown for remote workers and nomads chasing a city feel with desert access. Compared with capital cities, you’ll notice trade-offs: everyday costs can feel higher for imported goods and dining out, while some local services are concentrated and efficient. Housing options are varied but can carry a premium during project waves, while longer-term leases may unlock stability. Transport relies on a car or regional flights, and budgeting around limited grocery runs can help keep costs predictable. Overall, you’ll get solid value if you plan ahead, work locally, and time your visits to shoulder seasons. Cost of Living in Karratha, Australia captures this mix. Tip: Build a realistic, month-by-month budget that leaves room for seasonal work patterns.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Karratha?
Daily life in Karratha revolves around practical planning and a sense of community. When you start housing searches, consider the main townsite areas for easy errands, or coastal pockets if you value beaches, but factor that rents and leases tend to shift with project activity. Grocery runs are straightforward at major supermarkets and bulk stores, with cafés and eateries offering quick options for workdays. Getting around is car-centric, though you’ll find occasional bus routes and ride-share options. For work or remote projects, a coastal coworking space or a library desk can be a quiet anchor. Karratha, Australia living cost awareness helps you compare rents, utility bills, and everyday shopping without surprises. Tip: Build a two-week trial plan before committing to a long lease.
What strategies help maximize quality of life and budget in Karratha, and how to pick a neighborhood that fits?
Quality of life in Karratha comes from outdoor access, a tight-knit feel, and the pace that suits remote workers. To stay within budget while still enjoying the region, adopt a simple weekly planning approach: identify essentials, set flexible allowances for meals out or weekend trips, and build pockets for rest days. Seasonality influences activities and utility use, so plan outdoor outings during cooler stretches and heat-wave windows with shade and hydration in mind. Choose neighborhoods by daily rhythms – central zones for quick groceries, coastal areas for walks and calmer mornings, or farther suburbs for more space. Tip: pair a local contact or coworking pass with a flexible lease to test fit.
What are the monthly living expenses in Karratha as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Karratha should plan on about $2,346 per month with rent, or $1,128 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Karratha affordable on an average income?
Karratha sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $2,346, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Karratha?
You'll want at least $3,519 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Karratha. 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.
Are apartments reasonably priced in Karratha?
Rent in Karratha is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $1,065 and $1,273 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
How expensive is preschool in Karratha per month?
Private kindergarten in Karratha costs about $1,632 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Karratha?
Expect to pay about $49.66 per month for a gym in Karratha – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $1,500 cover living expenses in Karratha?
$1,500 is below the $2,346 average in Karratha, 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.
What are the pros and cons of living in Karratha?
Quality of life in Karratha is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $2,346. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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