Cost of Living in Pakenham - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,282 monthly including rent, or $998 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,307 with rent, or $1,736 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,331 including rent, or $2,473 for daily expenses alone.

Pakenham sits 53–70% 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
$19.45 A$27.11
$11.03 A$15.37
$32.43 A$45.19
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$76.8 A$107
$51.2 A$71.4
$128 A$178
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.64 A$13.43
$9.00 A$12.54
$11.56 A$16.12
Cappuccino
$3.61 A$5.03
$2.90 A$4.04
$4.58 A$6.39
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.53 A$3.53
$1.93 A$2.69
$3.54 A$4.94
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.37 A$3.30
$1.98 A$2.76
$3.31 A$4.61
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.39 A$10.30
$4.59 A$6.40
$9.85 A$13.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.35 A$10.25
$5.35 A$7.45
$10.04 A$13.99
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.02 A$1.43
$0.97 A$1.35
$2.50 A$3.49
White Bread (500g)
$2.54 A$3.54
$1.59 A$2.22
$3.82 A$5.32
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.31 A$1.83
$1.18 A$1.65
$3.28 A$4.57
Eggs
$4.69 A$6.54
$3.07 A$4.28
$6.90 A$9.62
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.83 A$10.91
$5.54 A$7.72
$23.50 A$32.75
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.46 A$13.18
$6.30 A$8.78
$12.61 A$17.57
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.94 A$20.82
$7.93 A$11.05
$23.80 A$33.16
Apples (1kg)
$3.30 A$4.60
$2.32 A$3.24
$3.97 A$5.54
Banana (1kg)
$2.75 A$3.83
$1.89 A$2.64
$4.42 A$6.16
Oranges (1kg)
$2.85 A$3.97
$1.79 A$2.49
$5.63 A$7.84
Tomato (1kg)
$3.22 A$4.49
$2.52 A$3.51
$5.16 A$7.18
Potato (1kg)
$2.77 A$3.86
$1.65 A$2.30
$3.95 A$5.50
Onion (1kg)
$2.34 A$3.26
$1.66 A$2.32
$4.65 A$6.47
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.19 A$3.05
$1.31 A$1.82
$3.27 A$4.56
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.28 A$1.78
$0.51 A$0.71
$3.20 A$4.46
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$21.52 A$29.99
$19.56 A$27.26
$42.38 A$59.1
Wine (Bottle)
$14.27 A$19.88
$10.70 A$14.91
$24.96 A$34.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.45 A$6.21
$2.52 A$3.51
$9.47 A$13.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.91 A$6.84
$2.95 A$4.11
$7.85 A$10.93
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.63 A$3.67
$1.91 A$2.67
$3.29 A$4.58
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$65.4 A$91.1
$22.89 A$31.89
$65.4 A$91.1
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.56 A$4.96
$3.13 A$4.36
$6.46 A$9.00
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.40 A$1.94
$1.19 A$1.66
$1.89 A$2.64
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$26.96 A$37.56
$25.56 A$35.62
$42.08 A$58.6
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 A$1.58
$1.03 A$1.44
$1.34 A$1.86
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.5K A$41.0K
$26.5K A$37.0K
$29.5K A$41.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.5K A$32.8K
$21.4K A$29.8K
$25.6K A$35.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$149 A$207
$100 A$140
$255 A$356
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.19 A$29.53
$12.39 A$17.27
$39.12 A$54.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$50.3 A$70.2
$44.40 A$61.9
$64.4 A$89.7
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$48.70 A$67.9
$19.48 A$27.15
$58.5 A$81.5
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.59 A$21.72
$7.75 A$10.80
$15.59 A$21.72
Cinema Ticket
$16.28 A$22.69
$13.03 A$18.15
$18.24 A$25.41
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,715 A$2,390
$873 A$1,216
$2,040 A$2,843
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$19.0K A$26.5K
$12.8K A$17.8K
$27.5K A$38.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.3 A$96.6
$33.13 A$46.16
$99.4 A$138
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$52.8 A$73.6
$25.71 A$35.83
$96.4 A$134
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$104 A$145
$63.9 A$89.1
$160 A$223
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$102 A$143
$63.9 A$89.1
$160 A$223
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,245 A$1,734
$1,025 A$1,429
$1,314 A$1,831
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,048 A$1,461
$652 A$909
$1,167 A$1,627
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,056 A$2,864
$1,658 A$2,310
$2,520 A$3,511
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,651 A$2,301
$1,279 A$1,783
$1,919 A$2,674
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,932 A$9,659
$5,694 A$7,935
$7,806 A$10.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,775 A$8,048
$4,004 A$5,580
$6,447 A$8,983
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.19
5.2
6.92

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $333 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $77.0 for two – above the Oceanian average of $57.0.

Public transport is priced at around $65.4 per month – roughly in line with the Oceanian average of $58.0.

Cost Highlights

Pakenham has the 10th cheapest milk in Oceania

Rice is cheaper than 91% of cities in Oceania

Meal at budget restaurant is more expensive than 90% of cities in Oceania

Pakenham 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 Pakenham - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pakenham affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to the city center?
Yes, for those who want space and a slower pace, Pakenham often feels like better value than central Melbourne. The Cost of Living in Pakenham, Australia tends to be friendlier for housing and local services, with easier access to parks, schools, and shopping hubs. Groceries and utilities follow broader market trends, so you will want to budget for regular essentials as elsewhere. The vibe attracts families, remote workers, and anyone seeking steadier living costs without sacrificing access to the city by rail. Tip: test a few weeks in the area and compare commute times to your work hub.
What does daily life look like here in terms of housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Pakenham, Australia living cost shapes how you shop: you will find a range of housing options – new estates with modern layouts and older homes with character – so compare rents near rail stations for easier commutes. Grocery options include larger supermarkets and local markets, and you will likely rely on a car for weekend errands, though the town is fairly walkable in the core. Co-working spaces and cafes offer work-friendly spots for digital nomads. Tip: map two or three neighborhoods by transit to see which fits your daily routine best.
What about quality of life, budgeting frameworks, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life here comes from green spaces, a sense of community, and practical services, with steady access to Melbourne if needed. A simple budgeting framework prioritizes housing first, then food and transport, with a buffer for leisure and seasonal bills. Save by cooking at home, taking advantage of farmers markets, and choosing longer-term leases for stability. When picking a neighborhood, consider proximity to parks, schools or childcare, and distance to rail links; the rhythm of seasons also matters for outdoor activities and energy use. Tip: create a monthly plan that adjusts for seasonal activities and travel needs.
Is Pakenham expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Pakenham is moderately priced at about $2,282 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What is the average cost of living in Pakenham?
A single person in Pakenham typically spends $2,282 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $998. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is a good salary in Pakenham?
Earning $3,423 monthly in Pakenham 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.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Pakenham?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Pakenham range from $1,048 to $1,245, 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.
How expensive is a gym membership in Pakenham?
A regular gym membership in Pakenham costs around $48.70 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 Pakenham?
Expect to spend around $333 per month on groceries in Pakenham. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Pakenham?
Living on $2,000 in Pakenham means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,282. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Pakenham a good place to live?
Living in Pakenham means access to fast internet, low crime rates, clean air at about $2,282 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.

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