Ballina, a picturesque town in Australia, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Ballina, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.38 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $64.9.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs approximately $10.38.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at $7.79.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs about $2.6.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi is priced at $2.6.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs $2.47.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.95 and $2.92 per liter, averaging $2.43.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.92 and $3.24, with an average price of $3.08.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.67 to $5.84, averaging $5.26.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs between $3.89 and $7.79, averaging $5.84.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $6.49 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs $6.49 per kg.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost between $2.6 and $3.89 per kg, averaging $3.24.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges are priced at $1.3 per kg.
  • Potatoes (1kg) - Potatoes cost $3.24 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs between $2.6 and $3.89, averaging $3.24.
  • Tomatoes (1kg) - Tomatoes range from $1.3 to $5.19 per kg, averaging $3.24.
  • Bananas (1kg) - Bananas are priced at $1.95 per kg.
  • Onions (1kg) - Onions cost $1.95 per kg.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced at $3.24 per kg.

Transportation

  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $5.19.
  • Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) - An hour of waiting in a taxi costs $14.93.
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 April, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$10.38
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$64.90
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$10.38
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.79
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.47
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.60
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.43
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.08
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.26
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.84
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.92
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$16.22
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$8.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.14
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$35.69
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.49
Apples (1kg)
$3.24
Oranges (1kg)
$1.30
Potato (1kg)
$3.24
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.24
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.24
Tomato (1kg)
$3.24
Banana (1kg)
$1.95
Onion (1kg)
$1.95
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.49
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$14.93
Ballina Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Ballina offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Australian cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.

Transportation costs are minimal, though public transport options may be limited, making taxis a viable alternative for short distances.

Housing data is not provided, but potential residents should research local rental and purchase options to get a comprehensive view of living costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ballina presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options. While transportation costs are low, the availability of public transport may require reliance on taxis or personal vehicles.

Prospective residents should consider exploring housing options to fully understand the financial implications of living in this charming Australian town.