Cost of Living in Southern Cross - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $984 (excluding rent), and $2,269 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,345 (excluding rent), and $4,140 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$18.45 A$28.27
$17.14 A$26.25
$19.77 A$30.29
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$56.5 A$86.5
$48.41 A$74.2
$64.6 A$98.9
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.5 A$16.08
$9.8 A$15.01
$12.59 A$19.29
Cappuccino
$3.29 A$5.04
$3.29 A$5.04
$3.29 A$5.04
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34 A$3.58
$2.34 A$3.58
$2.34 A$3.58
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.6 A$2.46
$1.28 A$1.96
$1.92 A$2.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.59 A$10.09
$6.59 A$10.09
$6.59 A$10.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8 A$12.26
$8 A$12.26
$8 A$12.26
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.42 A$2.17
$0.95 A$1.46
$2.53 A$3.87
White Bread (500g)
$2.44 A$3.74
$1.47 A$2.25
$4 A$6.12
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.02 A$3.09
$1.19 A$1.82
$3.3 A$5.05
Eggs
$2.66 A$4.08
$2 A$3.06
$3.33 A$5.1
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.74 A$13.38
$6.37 A$9.75
$16.67 A$25.54
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.2 A$12.56
$6.03 A$9.23
$10.78 A$16.52
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.9 A$21.3
$7.93 A$12.15
$19.72 A$30.21
Apples (1kg)
$3.22 A$4.93
$2.25 A$3.45
$4.18 A$6.4
Banana (1kg)
$2.76 A$4.22
$1.93 A$2.95
$4.57 A$6.99
Oranges (1kg)
$2.89 A$4.42
$1.61 A$2.46
$5.73 A$8.78
Tomato (1kg)
$4.07 A$6.23
$2.26 A$3.46
$5.79 A$8.87
Potato (1kg)
$2.5 A$3.83
$1.32 A$2.03
$3.31 A$5.07
Onion (1kg)
$2.11 A$3.23
$1.28 A$1.96
$2.89 A$4.42
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.1 A$3.22
$1.28 A$1.96
$2.89 A$4.42
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.6 A$2.44
$0.54 A$0.82
$3.35 A$5.13
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$32.15 A$49.26
$32.15 A$49.26
$32.15 A$49.26
Wine (Bottle)
$12.11 A$18.55
$7.74 A$11.86
$19.37 A$29.67
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.51 A$6.9
$2.56 A$3.93
$7.69 A$11.78
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.31 A$8.14
$2.91 A$4.46
$7.75 A$11.87
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.49 A$3.81
$1.81 A$2.77
$3.11 A$4.76
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$72.4 A$111
$25.33 A$38.8
$72.4 A$111
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.64 A$5.57
$2.77 A$4.25
$5.95 A$9.11
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.58 A$2.42
$1.42 A$2.18
$1.86 A$2.85
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.28 A$51
$32.25 A$49.41
$40.31 A$61.8
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12 A$1.71
$1.07 A$1.64
$1.14 A$1.74
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.6K A$49.9K
$29.3K A$44.9K
$32.6K A$49.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.6K A$33.1K
$20K A$30.6K
$25K A$38.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$182 A$279
$102 A$156
$323 A$496
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.74 A$42.5
$13.17 A$20.18
$49.39 A$75.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.7 A$82.2
$46.1 A$70.6
$69.6 A$107
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$44.6 A$68.3
$17.85 A$27.34
$53.5 A$82
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.77 A$24.16
$7.84 A$12.01
$15.77 A$24.16
Cinema Ticket
$11.91 A$18.25
$10.72 A$16.42
$16.67 A$25.54
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,389 A$2,127
$760 A$1,165
$1,888 A$2,893
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.3K A$18.9K
$6,653 A$10.2K
$18K A$27.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$65.3 A$100
$39.64 A$60.7
$93.6 A$143
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.23 A$67.8
$22.76 A$34.87
$68.3 A$105
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$85.1 A$130
$55.7 A$85.3
$123 A$188
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$104 A$159
$62.9 A$96.4
$157 A$241
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,416 A$2,170
$1,167 A$1,787
$1,495 A$2,290
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,162 A$1,780
$723 A$1,107
$1,293 A$1,981
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,887 A$2,891
$1,522 A$2,332
$2,313 A$3,544
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,510 A$2,313
$1,170 A$1,792
$1,754 A$2,688
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,602 A$8,582
$4,494 A$6,884
$7,438 A$11.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,537 A$6,951
$3,077 A$4,714
$6,154 A$9,428
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$6,574 A$10.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.25
5.99
6.5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Southern Cross - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Cross, Australia affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to larger Australian cities?
Cost of Living in Southern Cross, Australia offers a steadier sense of value than major capitals, especially if you prioritize outdoor living, slower pace, and smaller neighborhoods. The costs you will encounter hinge on your daily choices: housing may be more affordable outside the center, groceries are typically reasonable with local produce, and dining out can be budget-friendly if you avoid peak times. For digital nomads, reliable internet and a welcoming cafe scene can improve daily costs and productivity. Compare with larger cities by assessing apartment shares, seasonal tourism, and transportation needs. Tip: map out a monthly budget that covers rent, transit, and a flexible buffer for travel between nearby towns.
What does day-to-day life look like in Southern Cross, Australia in terms of housing search, food options, and getting around?
Housing search in Southern Cross, Australia often centers on neighborhood vibe and access to services. Look for older homes with character or modern-townhouse clusters near the station or main strip. Food options range from farmers markets to casual eateries, with seasonal produce keeping costs moderate. For transport, check if a car is necessary or if local buses and bike lanes suffice for your routine; many spots are walkable too. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi support productivity without overspending. Southern Cross, Australia living cost varies by area, so compare a few neighborhoods before signing any lease or long-term rental. Tip: start with a two-week stay in a few places to feel out the pace and amenities.
How can you optimize your budget and neighborhood fit for long-term life in Southern Cross, Australia, considering seasonality and lifestyle?
Quality of life in Southern Cross, Australia comes from balancing work, rest, and access to nature. Start with a simple budgeting framework: fixed costs (rent, utilities, internet) plus flexible spending for groceries, dining, and transport. Seasonality affects crowds and prices in popular areas, so consider off-season stays near the coast or in quieter districts to save. Neighborhood fit matters more than size: look for areas with good transit links, safety, and nearby cafes. For savings, consider shared housing, seasonal work options, or coworking memberships, and keep a short-term plan flexible as you explore. Tip: try a two-week trial in a few neighborhoods before committing.
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