Armidale, located in the picturesque New England region of New South Wales, Australia, offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban convenience. Understanding the cost of living in Armidale is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.34.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Enjoy a domestic beer for around $5.19.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced at approximately $6.49.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs about $2.92.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.04 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.17.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.84 and $1.43, with an average price of $1.14.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.74 to $3.89, averaging $3.82.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.94 to $3.24 per kg, while oranges range from $1.94 to $2.92 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.29 and $1.95 per kg, and lettuce costs about $1.62 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at approximately $1.33 per liter.
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) - A new Volkswagen Golf or equivalent costs around $30,815.20.
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) - A new Toyota Corolla or equivalent is priced at about $26,534.66.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $356.93.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $324.48 to $730.08, averaging $527.28.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $519.17.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $470.5 to $1200.58, averaging $835.54.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $97.34 and $110.32, averaging $103.83.
  • Internet - Internet services average $58.41.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs about $12.98.
Worldwide
Australia

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Australia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Australia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in February, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.34
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.49
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.92
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.17
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.14
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.82
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.54
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$25.96
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.14
Apples (1kg)
$2.59
Oranges (1kg)
$2.43
Potato (1kg)
$1.62
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.62
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.43
Tomato (1kg)
$2.82
Banana (1kg)
$2.75
Onion (1kg)
$1.62
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$30,815.20
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$26,534.66
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$356.93
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$527.28
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$519.17
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$835.54
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$103.83
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$58.41
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$12.98
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$39.21
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.71
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.73
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,752.19
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,611.63
Armidale Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Armidale offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Australian cities, with low rental prices and reasonable grocery costs.

Dining out is economical, especially for fast food and local beverages.

Transportation costs are moderate, with fuel prices aligning with national averages.

Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Armidale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Armidale presents a cost-effective living environment, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a balance between urban amenities and rural tranquility.

With affordable housing, reasonable grocery prices, and moderate transportation costs, Armidale is well-suited for those looking to enjoy a high quality of life without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.