Cost of Living in Mount Isa - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,244 monthly including rent, or $991 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,259 with rent, or $1,631 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,274 including rent, or $2,271 for daily expenses alone.

Mount Isa sits 49–67% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are slightly above average (14%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.29 A$22.80
$11.08 A$15.51
$32.57 A$45.60
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$78.6 A$110
$52.4 A$73.4
$131 A$183
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.85 A$13.79
$9.19 A$12.87
$11.81 A$16.54
Cappuccino
$3.50 A$4.90
$2.78 A$3.90
$5.02 A$7.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.51 A$3.51
$1.91 A$2.68
$3.19 A$4.46
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 A$2.94
$1.59 A$2.23
$2.87 A$4.01
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.38 A$8.93
$4.47 A$6.25
$8.94 A$12.52
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.14 A$10.00
$5.22 A$7.30
$9.79 A$13.70
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.44 A$2.02
$0.97 A$1.36
$2.57 A$3.60
White Bread (500g)
$2.33 A$3.26
$1.40 A$1.96
$3.81 A$5.34
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.04 A$2.85
$1.20 A$1.68
$3.33 A$4.66
Eggs
$3.21 A$4.50
$1.61 A$2.25
$4.82 A$6.75
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.43 A$11.80
$6.14 A$8.60
$16.09 A$22.53
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.46 A$11.85
$6.22 A$8.71
$11.13 A$15.58
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.92 A$19.48
$7.94 A$11.12
$19.74 A$27.64
Apples (1kg)
$3.30 A$4.62
$2.31 A$3.23
$4.28 A$5.99
Banana (1kg)
$2.75 A$3.85
$1.92 A$2.69
$4.55 A$6.37
Oranges (1kg)
$2.97 A$4.15
$1.65 A$2.31
$5.89 A$8.25
Tomato (1kg)
$4.04 A$5.66
$2.24 A$3.14
$5.75 A$8.05
Potato (1kg)
$2.49 A$3.49
$1.32 A$1.85
$3.30 A$4.61
Onion (1kg)
$2.08 A$2.91
$1.26 A$1.77
$2.85 A$3.99
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.11 A$2.96
$1.29 A$1.81
$2.91 A$4.07
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.58 A$2.22
$0.53 A$0.74
$3.32 A$4.65
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$30.79 A$43.11
$25.93 A$36.30
$38.90 A$54.5
Wine (Bottle)
$15.63 A$21.88
$11.73 A$16.42
$23.45 A$32.84
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.62 A$6.47
$2.63 A$3.68
$7.89 A$11.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.21 A$7.30
$2.86 A$4.00
$7.60 A$10.64
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.55 A$3.57
$1.85 A$2.59
$3.19 A$4.46
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$64.5 A$90.4
$22.59 A$31.62
$64.5 A$90.4
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.53 A$4.94
$2.69 A$3.76
$5.76 A$8.07
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.59 A$2.23
$1.43 A$2.01
$1.88 A$2.63
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$34.09 A$47.73
$33.03 A$46.25
$41.29 A$57.8
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 A$1.59
$1.04 A$1.45
$1.36 A$1.90
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.7K A$40.2K
$25.8K A$36.2K
$28.7K A$40.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.5K A$31.4K
$20.8K A$29.1K
$26.0K A$36.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$181 A$254
$101 A$141
$322 A$451
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.79 A$38.91
$13.20 A$18.47
$49.48 A$69.3
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$41.64 A$58.3
$38.44 A$53.8
$44.85 A$62.8
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.47 A$69.3
$19.79 A$27.71
$59.4 A$83.1
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.99 A$22.39
$7.95 A$11.13
$15.99 A$22.39
Cinema Ticket
$13.20 A$18.48
$11.88 A$16.63
$18.48 A$25.87
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,612 A$2,256
$882 A$1,235
$2,192 A$3,068
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.2K A$17.1K
$6,602 A$9,243
$17.8K A$25.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$67.9 A$95.0
$41.19 A$57.7
$97.3 A$136
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.4 A$71.9
$26.45 A$37.03
$79.4 A$111
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$99.6 A$139
$65.2 A$91.3
$143 A$201
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$105 A$148
$63.9 A$89.4
$160 A$224
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,278 A$1,790
$1,053 A$1,474
$1,349 A$1,889
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,059 A$1,483
$659 A$923
$1,179 A$1,651
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,044 A$2,862
$1,648 A$2,308
$2,506 A$3,508
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,685 A$2,358
$1,305 A$1,827
$1,958 A$2,741
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,002 A$8,403
$5,104 A$7,146
$6,759 A$9,462
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,057 A$7,080
$3,565 A$4,991
$5,739 A$8,035
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,545 A$6,363
-
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 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,278 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,059 outside the center. At around 28% of the average salary ($4,545), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,545, while typical expenses reach $2,244. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $337 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $79 for two – above the Oceanian average of $56.

Public transport is priced at around $65 per month – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.

Cost Highlights

Internet is cheaper than 92% of cities in Oceania

Eggs is cheaper than 91% of cities in Oceania

Mount Isa 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 Mount Isa - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Mount Isa overall, and who tends to find good value here compared with bigger cities?
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.
What does everyday life look like here for housing, food, transport, and coworking or errands?
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.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood fit help you maximize quality of life, considering climate and seasonal changes?
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.
Is Mount Isa worth the cost of living?
At around $2,244 monthly all-in, Mount Isa offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Mount Isa expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Mount Isa is moderately priced at about $2,244 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Can you save money on an average salary in Mount Isa?
At $4,545 take-home, most residents in Mount Isa can cover the $2,244 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,366 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Mount Isa?
Where you live in Mount Isa makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,278; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,059. Overall, the market runs from $1,059 to $1,278 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Mount Isa?
A regular gym membership in Mount Isa costs around $49.47 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Mount Isa?
Expect to spend around $337 per month on groceries in Mount Isa. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Mount Isa?
Living on $1,000 in Mount Isa means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,244. 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 is quality of life like in Mount Isa?
Mount Isa offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, clean air, and at around $2,244 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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