Cost of Living in Mount Isa - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $981 (excluding rent), and $2,230 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,428 (excluding rent), and $4,243 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.54 A$25.34

$11.25 A$17.24

$33.09 A$50.7

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$80.4 A$123

$53.6 A$82.1

$134 A$205

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.58 A$14.67

$8.94 A$13.69

$11.49 A$17.6

Cappuccino

$3.38 A$5.18

$2.69 A$4.12

$4.85 A$7.43

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.89 A$4.42

$2.2 A$3.37

$3.66 A$5.61

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.91 A$2.93

$1.45 A$2.22

$2.6 A$3.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.22 A$11.06

$5.05 A$7.74

$10.12 A$15.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.15 A$12.48

$5.95 A$9.11

$11.17 A$17.11

Milk (1 liter)

$1.44 A$2.21

$0.97 A$1.48

$2.57 A$3.93

White Bread (500g)

$2.39 A$3.66

$1.44 A$2.2

$3.92 A$6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.02 A$3.09

$1.19 A$1.82

$3.29 A$5.04

Eggs

$3.06 A$4.69

$1.53 A$2.34

$4.59 A$7.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.76 A$13.41

$6.38 A$9.78

$16.71 A$25.6

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.29 A$14.23

$6.82 A$10.45

$12.21 A$18.71

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.11 A$23.16

$8.62 A$13.21

$21.44 A$32.84

Apples (1kg)

$3.18 A$4.87

$2.22 A$3.41

$4.13 A$6.32

Banana (1kg)

$2.72 A$4.17

$1.9 A$2.91

$4.5 A$6.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.96 A$4.54

$1.65 A$2.53

$5.89 A$9.02

Tomato (1kg)

$3.68 A$5.64

$2.04 A$3.13

$5.24 A$8.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.5 A$3.82

$1.32 A$2.02

$3.3 A$5.05

Onion (1kg)

$2.21 A$3.39

$1.34 A$2.06

$3.03 A$4.64

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.16 A$3.32

$1.32 A$2.02

$2.98 A$4.56

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.59 A$2.44

$0.53 A$0.82

$3.33 A$5.11

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$30.79 A$47.17

$25.93 A$39.72

$38.9 A$59.6

Wine (Bottle)

$11.91 A$18.25

$7.61 A$11.67

$19.05 A$29.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.55 A$6.97

$2.59 A$3.96

$7.76 A$11.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.32 A$8.15

$2.91 A$4.46

$7.75 A$11.88

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.64 A$4.04

$1.92 A$2.93

$3.29 A$5.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$58.3 A$89.3

$20.39 A$31.24

$58.3 A$89.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.27 A$5.01

$2.49 A$3.82

$5.34 A$8.19

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 A$2.14

$1.25 A$1.92

$1.64 A$2.51

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$33.54 A$51.4

$32.5 A$49.8

$40.63 A$62.3

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.13 A$1.74

$1.04 A$1.59

$1.36 A$2.08

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.9K A$47.4K

$27.9K A$42.7K

$30.9K A$47.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$20.8K A$31.9K

$19.2K A$29.5K

$24.1K A$36.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$180 A$275

$100 A$153

$319 A$489

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$27.84 A$42.65

$13.22 A$20.25

$49.56 A$75.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$41.52 A$63.6

$38.33 A$58.7

$44.72 A$68.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.41 A$69.6

$18.17 A$27.83

$54.5 A$83.5

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.36 A$22

$7.14 A$10.93

$14.36 A$22

Cinema Ticket

$13.03 A$19.96

$11.73 A$17.97

$18.24 A$27.94

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,814 A$2,779

$993 A$1,522

$2,467 A$3,779

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.1K A$18.5K

$6,537 A$10K

$17.7K A$27K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$68.2 A$104

$41.36 A$63.4

$97.7 A$150

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$56 A$85.8

$28.82 A$44.15

$86.5 A$132

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.4 A$149

$63.8 A$97.7

$140 A$215

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 A$168

$66.6 A$102

$166 A$255

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,110 A$1,700

$914 A$1,401

$1,171 A$1,795

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$962 A$1,474

$599 A$917

$1,071 A$1,641

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,038 A$3,122

$1,644 A$2,518

$2,498 A$3,827

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,709 A$2,618

$1,324 A$2,029

$1,986 A$3,043

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,829 A$8,930

$4,676 A$7,164

$7,739 A$11.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,298 A$8,116

$3,593 A$5,504

$7,186 A$11K

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.

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Cost of Living in Mount Isa - Frequently Asked Questions

Mount Isa offers a more approachable feel and value when compared with Australia’s major metros. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want space, sunshine, and a straightforward pace, everyday needs can be more affordable once you adjust to regional options. Housing choices range from simple rentals to larger homes, and utilities and groceries align with local norms rather than city premiums. Getting around is practical with a car or local services, and outdoor activities are easy to fit into a flexible schedule. Consider the Cost of Living in Mount Isa when planning your budget. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Mount Isa centers on practical convenience and outdoor appeal. Housing options range from compact apartments to larger homes, with payments shaped by location and proximity to town services. Groceries and dining reflect regional supply chains, with fresh produce and staples available at markets, supermarkets, and local delis. For work, reliable internet at cafes or coworking spaces supports remote gigs, while public transport is modest; many people prefer a car for wider errands. When you search, factor the Mount Isa living cost into your neighborhood choice, balancing commute, lifestyle amenities, and seasonal heat. Tip: Start with a short trial stay in a couple of neighborhoods to feel the daily rhythm.

Quality of life here rewards practical planning and a flexible routine. A simple budgeting approach helps: prioritize housing and utilities, then groceries and transport, and leave space for experiences and rest. The hot, dry season favors early mornings and shaded outdoor time, while the wetter months invite indoor pursuits or late-day activities – plan errands around the map and the sun. Neighborhood fit matters: seek areas with easy access to shops, clinics, and parks, plus a quiet street if you work from home. Test different tenancies for a season to find your flow, and tap local markets for affordable, fresh meals. Tip: Build in occasional weekend getaways to recharge.