Cost of living in Ballarat
Ballarat, a vibrant city in Australia, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Ballarat, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14 on average, with a range between $9.77 and $32.57.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $65.13, with prices ranging from $48.85 to $104.21.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.77, with a range between $8.47 and $11.4.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.56 to $10.42, imported beer $5.21 to $11.72, cappuccino $2.61 to $5.86, and Coke/Pepsi $1.95 to $3.58.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.98 and $3.26 per liter, averaging $1.42.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $5.21, with an average price of $2.48.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.61 to $6.25, averaging $4.15.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.63 to $3.91 per kg, while oranges range from $1.3 to $5.2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.22 and $3.91 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $5.21 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.69 and $5.21.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.11 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.34, with a cost of $1.22 to $1.95 per km and $25.01 to $42.33 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $781.56 to $996.49, averaging $853.21.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $521.04 to $716.43, averaging $629.59.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $1367.74.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $97.7 and $260.52, averaging $145.29.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45.59 to $117.23, with an average cost of $51.7.
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.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Markets
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Ballarat offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Australian cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are moderate.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, though taxi fares can add up quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ballarat presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and moderate daily expenses. It is an appealing choice for those seeking a blend of urban and rural living.
Potential residents should consider the cost of utilities and transportation when budgeting for a move to Ballarat. Overall, it offers a cost-effective lifestyle with a high quality of life.