Cost of Living in Wollongong - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Wollongong
Address: Wollongong, AU

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $957 (excluding rent), and $1,928 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,673 (excluding rent), and $3,701 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.68 A$22.4

$11.49 A$17.53

$31.91 A$48.69

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$87.1 A$133

$64.5 A$98.4

$110 A$167

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.7 A$14.8

$9.68 A$14.77

$9.72 A$14.83

Cappuccino

$3.4 A$5.19

$2.94 A$4.49

$4.25 A$6.48

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

$2.68 A$4.08

$1.98 A$3.03

$3.97 A$6.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 A$3.38

$1.89 A$2.89

$2.85 A$4.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.71 A$8.71

$4.44 A$6.78

$11.43 A$17.44

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.41 A$11.31

$5.15 A$7.87

$11.61 A$17.71

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 A$1.78

$0.99 A$1.52

$2.31 A$3.53

White Bread (500g)

$2.28 A$3.49

$1.15 A$1.76

$4.68 A$7.15

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.58 A$2.42

$0.9 A$1.37

$3.22 A$4.91

Eggs

$3.56 A$5.43

$2.78 A$4.25

$6.63 A$10.12

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.98 A$15.23

$6.46 A$9.86

$19.58 A$29.87

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.48 A$12.93

$6.35 A$9.7

$10.81 A$16.5

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.55 A$22.2

$9.92 A$15.14

$18.51 A$28.25

Apples (1kg)

$2.79 A$4.26

$2.27 A$3.46

$3.88 A$5.92

Banana (1kg)

$2.45 A$3.74

$1.92 A$2.94

$4.64 A$7.08

Oranges (1kg)

$2.27 A$3.46

$1.38 A$2.11

$6.47 A$9.87

Tomato (1kg)

$4.15 A$6.33

$2.05 A$3.13

$11.56 A$17.64

Potato (1kg)

$2 A$3.06

$1.26 A$1.93

$3.16 A$4.82

Onion (1kg)

$1.89 A$2.88

$1.32 A$2.02

$3.33 A$5.09

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.45 A$3.75

$1.26 A$1.92

$3.3 A$5.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 A$1.55

$0.51 A$0.77

$3.17 A$4.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$30.58 A$46.67

$25.75 A$39.3

$51.5 A$78.6

Wine (Bottle)

$12.75 A$19.46

$8.29 A$12.66

$15.95 A$24.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.99 A$4.56

$2.65 A$4.05

$8.04 A$12.27

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.51 A$5.36

$7.65 A$11.67

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.46 A$3.75

$1.88 A$2.87

$3.23 A$4.93

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$46.07 A$70.3

$22.35 A$34.1

$54.3 A$82.8

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.01 A$6.12

$3.26 A$4.97

$6.52 A$9.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.75 A$2.67

$1.53 A$2.33

$3.07 A$4.68

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$39.87 A$60.8

$38.27 A$58.4

$44.65 A$68.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.15 A$1.76

$1.07 A$1.64

$1.45 A$2.21

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

$28.7K A$43.7K

$25.8K A$39.4K

$36.1K A$55.1K

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

$22.4K A$34.2K

$21.1K A$32.2K

$27.5K A$42K

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

$180 A$275

$142 A$217

$323 A$494

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

$27.68 A$42.24

$15.45 A$23.57

$41.83 A$63.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.8 A$72.9

$45.37 A$69.2

$58.3 A$89

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$74.1 A$113

$45.7 A$69.7

$128 A$195

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$16 A$24.42

$7.96 A$12.14

$16 A$24.42

Cinema Ticket

$11.5 A$17.55

$15.97 A$24.36

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

$1,590 A$2,426

$1,192 A$1,819

$2,252 A$3,437

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13K A$19.8K

$11.5K A$17.5K

$19.1K A$29.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59 A$90.1

$45.91 A$70.1

$98.4 A$150

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$55.4 A$84.5

$31.87 A$48.63

$95.6 A$146

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.4 A$149

$64.4 A$98.2

$161 A$246

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 A$171

$59.2 A$90.3

$164 A$251

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$962 A$1,468

$334 A$510

$1,414 A$2,158

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$803 A$1,225

$294 A$449

$1,021 A$1,557

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,903 A$2,903

$1,796 A$2,740

$1,988 A$3,034

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,054 A$1,608

$527 A$804

$1,581 A$2,413

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,146 A$6,326

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,353 A$5,117

$3,230 A$4,928

$3,476 A$5,305

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,627 A$5,534

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.29

5.3

6.6

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

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Cost of Living in Wollongong - Frequently Asked Questions

Wollongong usually feels like a good-value alternative for those who want ocean access without the Sydney price tag. You’ll find a mix of affordable rentals, student-friendly neighborhoods, and casual dining that won’t drain your budget as quickly as big-city capitals. Transportation is practical, with a rail line to Sydney and decent bus coverage, while a shorter commute can shrink daily costs. The lifestyle leans toward outdoor activities, cafés, and co-working spots that stay reasonable. Cost of Living in Wollongong, Australia sits below many major capitals, but varies by neighborhood and season. Tip: Start with a realistic monthly budget and test a few areas before committing.

Wollongong blends coastlines, university energy, and regional pace, making day-to-day life manageable for varied budgets. Housing options range from beachside flats to shared houses near the campus or town center, with rental rhythms that reward early searches. Food culture is diverse – from markets to casual cafés – letting you eat well without overspending. Transport works well for most: a reliable rail link to Sydney, local buses, and bike-friendly streets that invite weekend rides. Regarding work or study spaces, you’ll find affordable co-working and quiet libraries. Wollongong, Australia living cost is shaped by neighborhood choice and season, so plan two paths. Tip: Use a weekly plan to compare options before you commit.

Quality of life in Wollongong blends ocean access, outdoor recreation, and a compact center with a laid-back vibe. Budgeting can be simple: separate essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) from discretionary spending and set aside a buffer for weekend trips or a cafe crawl. Seasonality is mild but affects crowds and open hours – summer beaches, winter coves. Neighborhood fit matters: for beach proximity and nightlife, look around the CBD or North Wollongong; for leafy streets and university access, try Gwynneville or Keiraville; for hillside views, some outer suburbs offer a calmer pace. Tip: track a basic weekly plan and adjust as you settle in.