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Cost of Living in Adelaide (2025) – Calculator Included
Hello, I'm Joaquin Trapero, the owner of North Removals with over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. I've guided countless families and individuals relocating across Australia, helping them with everything from choosing the right removalist to understanding when to start packing for a move. One of the first questions I often hear is about the cost of living in Adelaide — understanding expenses is crucial to a smooth move. I'm here to share my insights and help you navigate Adelaide's living costs with confidence.
In this guide, I'll walk you through a breakdown of the cost of living in Adelaide, drawing on both data and personal experience from my years of helping people move here. Whether you're a single professional or a family of four, we’ll cover what you can expect to spend on housing, groceries, transport and more. I've even included a handy Adelaide living cost calculator to help you budget for your move! If you're relocating from another city, our team of Interstate Removalists Adelaide is ready to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition!
Adelaide Living Cost: Table of Contents
» Average Salary in Adelaide
» Rent Expenses in Adelaide: An Overview
» How Much Money Is Needed to Live in Adelaide?
» Adelaide Suburbs: Rental Costs and Crime Rates
» Tips to Reduce Rent in Adelaide
» Basic Product Prices in Adelaide
» What Is the Cost of Entertainment in Adelaide?
» How Much Do Gyms Cost in Adelaide?
» Cost of Living Comparison: Adelaide vs. Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane
» Adelaide Living Cost FAQs
» Cost of Living in Adelaide Insights: Let North Removals Guide Your Interstate Journey
Adelaide Monthly Living Cost Calculator
Income levels in Adelaide match the city's affordable living expenses, even though they remain lower compared to Sydney and Melbourne’s salaries. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average monthly salary in Australia stands at approximately $7977 while salaries in Adelaide fluctuate depending on sector, work experience, and employment type. The following section presents essential information for budget planning purposes.
Average Salary in Adelaide
The average annual salary in Adelaide is $73,000. For professionals, net monthly salaries range from $3,800–$4,200.
Common Salaries by Sector in Adelaide
| Sector | Monthly Salary (AUD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | $6,500 – $9,000 | Developers, IT engineers |
| Healthcare | $5,500 – $8,000 | Nurses, general practitioners |
| Manufacturing | $4,500 – $6,000 | Industrial technicians, factory workers |
| Services | $3,500 – $5,000 | Retail staff, administrative roles |
Rent Expenses in Adelaide: An Overview
The rental expenses in Adelaide take up less income because the city maintains a lower living cost than Australia’s other major cities. Private rental costs in the central area of Adelaide stand between $570 and $650 per week as of 2025.
| Profession | Monthly Salary | Monthly Rent | % of Salary on Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Worker | $4,480 (32/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 51% |
| Traffic Controller | $4,160 (30/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 55% |
| Waiter | $3,840 (25/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 59% |
| Nurse | $5,600 (35/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 41% |
| Mining Engineer | $10,400 (130k/year / 12 months) | $2,600 ($650/week) | 25% |
| IT Architect | $16,000 (100/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,600 ($650/week) | 16% |
| Specialist Doctor | $11,200 (70/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,600 ($650/week) | 23% |
| Engineering Manager | $11,000 (133k/year / 12 months) | $2,600 ($650/week) | 24% |
| University Professor | $6,400 (80k/year / 12 months) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 36% |
| Cleaning Worker | $3,200 (20/hour × 40h/week × 4 weeks) | $2,280 ($570/week) | 71% |
How Much Money Is Needed to Live in Adelaide?
A move to Adelaide presents a special opportunity because it maintains both affordable costs of living and a premium standard of living, which ranks it among Australia’s most financially sound locations. The city of Adelaide represents an excellent choice thanks to its luxurious lifestyle and abundant job options, combined with exceptional educational standards at a reasonable expense.
The monthly expenses for a single person start at $4156 while a family of four faces costs of $7398, making it 30% less expensive than Sydney along with 15% cheaper than Melbourne. Globally, it’s more affordable than 75% of cities worldwide, though within Australia, it ranks as the 4th most economical.
| Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 3 | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $800 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Groceries | $240 – $360 | $480 – $720 | $720–$1,200 | $960 – $1,500 |
| Entertainment | $200 – $400 | $400 – $600 | $600 – $800 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Transportation | $95 – $150 | $190 – $250 | $250 – $350 | $350 – $450 |
| Utilities | $250 – $350 | $350 – $450 | $400 – $500 | $450 – $550 |
Single Person: Budget Considerations
Single residents of Adelaide need to prepare a monthly budget between $1270 and $3800 for their living expenses. If you're planning your first move, you can get detailed guidance in our blog: Moving Out for the First Time? Here's How Much Money You Will Need. Staying in Norwood and Unley instead of the CBD allows you to pay lower rents averaging $600 per month, whereas CBD apartments begin at $800 and extend to $1200 each month.
The Adelaide Central Market serves as an excellent choice for grocery shopping, letting you purchase fresh produce with $240–$360 monthly spending. Students and workers who use public transport with a MetroCard benefit from monthly payments of $95 since it offers efficient centre-based travel.
Couple: Shared Expenses
The expenses between couples become distributed in a more balanced manner. A single bedroom house outside the CBD area costs between $1200–$1800 per month, while food expenses at Aldi and other supermarkets or markets amount to $480–$720 each month. Two MetroCard passes add $190/month, but if both work nearby, this cost could drop. In total, a couple might spend $4000–$5000/month, depending on lifestyle.
Family of Three: Balancing Housing and Education Costs
Families with three members encounter challenges when choosing between adequate housing and quality education. Suburban residences in Mawson Lakes and surrounding districts cost $1500–$2500 per month, while family grocery expenses amount to $720–$1200 per month. Private school tuition amounts to $12714 each year for each child, which equals about $1060 per month, yet offers better educational standards.
Family of Four: Comprehensive Living Expenses
For a family of four, Adelaide’s maximum monthly cost is $7398, including childcare ($1337/month per child) and private health insurance ($100–$300/month). While renting a large suburban home in Christies Beach costs $2000–$3500/month, families often balance expenses by enjoying free beaches and festivals like Adelaide Fringe. Families considering relocation from Sydney should review our Adelaide to Sydney Removalists service to simplify their interstate move.
Adelaide Suburbs: Rental Costs and Crime Rates
The suburbs of Adelaide maintain a balanced relationship between cost-affordability and security standards. The following list contains the ten suburbs based on population density while including verified rental information and crime statistics. To know more about the worst suburbs in Adelaide read our article.
| Suburb | Rent (AUD/week) | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Woodville | $280–$400 | 0.343 (Theft, Vandalism) |
| Seaton | $300–$450 | 0.186 (Minor Theft) |
| West Croydon | $300–$450 | 0.90 (Theft, Assaults) |
| West Lakes | $320–$450 | 0.218 (Vandalism, Theft) |
| Magill | $350–$500 | 0.178 (Minor Theft) |
| Prospect | $380–$550 | 0.394 (Theft, Vandalism) |
| North Adelaide | $400–$600 | 0.177 (Minor Theft) |
| Unley | $400–$600 | 0.402 (Theft, Assaults) |
| Adelaide CBD | $450–$650 | 0.0887 (Minor Theft) |
| Glenelg | $500–$700 | 0.871 (Theft, Assaults) |
Tips to Reduce Rent in Adelaide
The following practical advice will help you decrease your monthly expenses in Adelaide:
The Australian city of Adelaide offers numerous economic and wellness benefits to residents who want financial equilibrium. The urban heart of Adelaide remains bustling but Mawson Lakes and Christies Beach suburbs reveal a different side where living costs are 40% lower than central business district prices while keeping all public transportation connexions and beach access.
The following practical advice will help you decrease your monthly expenses in Adelaide:
The following practical advice will help you decrease your monthly expenses in Adelaide:
- Opt for accessible suburbs: Residents who opt for living in Mawson Lakes and Christies Beach along with Kilburn can access housing at 40% lower rates than CBD prices while enjoying efficient public transportation and nearby facilities.
- Share housing: Sharing housing expenses with others reduces individual living costs to between $600–$900 per month which makes it suitable for students and young professionals.
- Negotiate leases: The current competitive housing market enables people to obtain flexible lease agreements which permit them to end their contracts prematurely with no associated costs.
- Research key areas: Platforms like RealEstate.com.au compare prices and review suburbs like Hope Valley or Parkside, praised for balancing affordability and liveability.
Basic Product Prices in Adelaide
The prices in Adelaide maintain a healthy equilibrium between economical living expenses and quality of life. The following are essential costs necessary for proper budgeting:
- Pint of Beer: You can purchase a domestic pint in bars or pubs for $10–$14 but imported beers will cost between $12–$15.
- Coca-Cola: In restaurants or bars, a glass ranges $3.98–$4.33, while supermarket prices (Coles, Aldi) are $3–$4 for a small bottle.
- Bread: Fresh bread purchased in bakeries or supermarkets ranges between 3.67 and 4.21.
- Restaurant Meal: The price range for restaurant meals falls between $20–$40, and café meals cost between $15–$25.
- Coffee: A standard café coffee costs $4–$6.13, with budget options at $4.
- Bottled Water: A 500ml bottle at Woolworths ranges $2.51–$3.42.
- Pizza: Consumers can purchase pizza at restaurants for $20–$40 based on the size and additional toppings selected.
- Sushi: Sushi rolls start at $4 and extend to $6.
- Eggs: A dozen eggs averages $6.85.
- Wine: Pricing for wine bottles falls between $15 and $40, while supermarket wine starts at a lower price point.
What Is the Cost of Entertainment in Adelaide?
The costs of entertainment activities in Adelaide vary yet cater to all budget levels. The combination of dinner and a night event during typical outings costs between $80 and $250 per person, depending on the activity.
- Dining at Restaurants: A main course at mid-range venues ranges $20–$40.
- Live Events: Tickets for concerts at Adelaide Entertainment Centre start at $43 and can exceed $200 for international acts.
- Cinema: Ticket prices at Palace Nova movie theatres generally range from $20 to $25.
How Much Do Gyms Cost in Adelaide?
People searching for gyms in Adelaide should consider location, facilities, and membership type because these elements determine price points. Budget options start at $9.69 weekly, while premium chains charge $32.99 weekly, and fees differ between suburban areas and the city centre.
How Much Do Gyms Cost in Adelaide?
- Location: Gyms within CBD areas charge higher fees because of their increased operational expenses but customers can find more affordable options located in Gawler Place or Port Adelaide.
- Facilities and Services: Gym prices rise when swimming pools and group exercise programmes and personal training sessions are added to facilities. Budget chains operate 24/7 but refrain from offering extravagant services to their customers.
- Membership Type: The membership type with no-lock-in contracts combined with flexible plans has a higher price than annual upfront payment options.
Cost of Living Comparison: Adelaide vs. Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane
Understanding the price variations between Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane regarding rent, food and transportation and utilities is important for successful budgeting. The following section contains price comparisons between these places.
If you're planning a relocation from Melbourne, Sydney, or other cities, check out our interstate cost comparison and make sure you choose the right type of transport.
| Category | Adelaide | Perth | Sydney | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $2,500/month | $2,800/month | $3,300/month | $2,800 /month |
| Utilities | $272/month | $230/month | $300/month | $206/month |
| Food | $400/month | $450/month | $500/month | $420/month |
| Transportation | $150/month | $130/month | $200/month | $180/month |
The cost of living in Adelaide FAQs
Cost of Living in Adelaide Insights: Let North Removals Guide Your Interstate Journey
In summary, Adelaide offers a rare mix of affordability and quality of life. Housing here is more budget-friendly than in places like Sydney or Melbourne, everyday expenses are manageable, and salaries — though slightly lower — comfortably cover the essentials. For individuals and families alike, the cost of living here remains reasonable across the board. All these factors mean you can enjoy Adelaide’s relaxed, vibrant lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Recently, I assisted a young family in their move from Sydney to Adelaide, amazed at how far their budget went. Their new home was significantly more affordable, enhancing their quality of life. In my two decades of relocation expertise, I've seen firsthand that choosing Adelaide means a better lifestyle at a lower cost.
That said, I'd love the opportunity to help with your move! Whether you’re relocating from Canberra, Sydney, or elsewhere, our specialised services like Melbourne to Adelaide Removalists will ensure a smooth transition. My team handles the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on settling in. After 20 years in the industry, I still enjoy helping families discover the rewards of living in Adelaide. Book your move today and let’s make your relocation easy and stress-free!