Cost of Living in Australia (2026)

COL Index: 71.4% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

71.4%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Below Average

Compared to U.S.

Currency

AUD

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Australia — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (AUD)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	37,681–123,247 AUD/mo	52,774–172,614 AUD/mo
2	Judges	31,662–103,622 AUD/mo	44,344–145,130 AUD/mo
3	Lawyers	25,644–83,996 AUD/mo	35,916–117,642 AUD/mo
4	Bank Managers	24,152–79,025 AUD/mo	33,826–110,679 AUD/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	22,635–74,053 AUD/mo	31,701–103,716 AUD/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	21,117–69,081 AUD/mo	29,576–96,753 AUD/mo
7	Orthodontists	20,358–66,726 AUD/mo	28,512–93,454 AUD/mo
8	College Professors	18,108–59,138 AUD/mo	25,361–82,826 AUD/mo
9	Pilots	15,098–49,456 AUD/mo	21,146–69,266 AUD/mo
10	Marketing Directors	13,581–44,484 AUD/mo	19,021–62,303 AUD/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in AUD, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Australia.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Australia

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (AUD)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	36,268 AUD	50,795 AUD	+40%
Finance & Accounting	35,849 AUD	50,209 AUD	+40%
Business Administration	39,957 AUD	55,962 AUD	+40%
Advertising	30,370 AUD	42,534 AUD	+40%
Architecture	30,812 AUD	43,154 AUD	+40%
Automotive & Car Industry	29,708 AUD	41,607 AUD	+40%
Aviation	36,582 AUD	51,235 AUD	+40%
Banking	42,966 AUD	60,177 AUD	+40%
Construction	29,399 AUD	41,175 AUD	+40%
Counseling	29,284 AUD	41,014 AUD	+40%
Customer Service	23,548 AUD	32,979 AUD	+40%
Education & Teaching	30,752 AUD	43,069 AUD	+40%
Energy	33,416 AUD	46,801 AUD	+40%
Engineering	28,049 AUD	39,284 AUD	+40%
Manufacturing	32,055 AUD	44,895 AUD	+40%
Fitness & Sports	21,324 AUD	29,865 AUD	+40%
Hospitality	30,495 AUD	42,710 AUD	+40%
Healthcare	79,365 AUD	111,156 AUD	+40%
Human Resources	29,632 AUD	41,501 AUD	+40%
Import & Export	23,022 AUD	32,244 AUD	+40%
Insurance	33,337 AUD	46,691 AUD	+40%
Information Technology	30,197 AUD	42,292 AUD	+40%
Law & Legal Services	46,787 AUD	65,529 AUD	+40%
Marketing	32,866 AUD	46,030 AUD	+40%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	42,339 AUD	59,298 AUD	+40%
Public Relations	27,528 AUD	38,555 AUD	+40%
Procurement	30,404 AUD	42,583 AUD	+40%
Quality Control	26,691 AUD	37,381 AUD	+40%
Real Estate	35,352 AUD	49,512 AUD	+40%
Sales	35,823 AUD	50,172 AUD	+40%
Telecommunications	26,644 AUD	37,316 AUD	+40%

Cost of Living in Australia — Overview

The cost of living in Australia is 71.4% of the U.S. national average. This makes Australia a more affordable destination compared to the United States. Your salary goes further here, especially for housing, food, and services.

Purchasing Power in Australia

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 212,885 AUD in Australia for the same standard of living. This means your money goes further in Australia, making it an attractive destination for remote workers and expats.

Cost of Living Categories in Australia

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 71.4% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 71.4% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 71.4% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 71.4% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 71.4% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in AUD · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors37,681 – 123,24780,464 AUD
Judges31,662 – 103,62267,642 AUD
Lawyers25,644 – 83,99654,820 AUD
Bank Managers24,152 – 79,02551,589 AUD
Chief Executive Officers22,635 – 74,05348,344 AUD
Chief Financial Officers21,117 – 69,08145,099 AUD
Orthodontists20,358 – 66,72643,542 AUD
College Professors18,108 – 59,13838,623 AUD
Pilots15,098 – 49,45632,277 AUD
Marketing Directors13,581 – 44,48429,033 AUD

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Australia

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Australia.

Best Paying Jobs in Australia

Take-Home Pay in Australia

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Australia.

Take-Home Pay in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Australia?

The cost of living in Australia is 71.4% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Australia calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Australia?

Salaries in Australia should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 212,885 AUD in Australia.