Cost of Living in Adelaide (2026) — Monthly Budget

Wondering how far your salary goes in Adelaide? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed apartment, inner suburbsAUD 1,600–2,200 / month

Adelaide Metro fare (2 hours, any distance)≈AUD 4 peak, ≈AUD 2.20 interpeak — frozen at 2025–26 levels; check Adelaide Metro

Groceries, one personAUD 430–650 / month

SA Ambulance subscription≈AUD 106 / year single (SA), ≈AUD 125 Australia-wide

Overseas visitors health cover (single)AUD 85–180 / month

Good to know

Population

≈1.45 million (Greater Adelaide)

Languages

English; Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek and Punjabi widely spoken

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Time zone

ACST (GMT+9:30); ACDT (GMT+10:30) from early October to early April

Power plug

Type I, 230 V / 50 Hz

Climate

Mediterranean — hot dry summers with heatwave spikes, mild wet winters

Driving side

Left

Work week

Mon–Fri, 38 ordinary hours; 4 weeks annual leave by law

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Adelaide checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.