Byron Bay, a popular coastal town in Australia, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, 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 $13.01 on average, with a range between $9.76 and $19.51.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $52.03, with prices ranging from $52.03 to $104.06.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.76, with a range between $9.76 and $11.06.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.2 to $9.76, imported beer $5.2 to $9.76, cappuccino $2.93 to $4.55, and Coke/Pepsi $1.3 to $3.25.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.04 and $2.6 per liter, averaging $1.63.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.56 and $4.23, with an average price of $2.29.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.6 to $5.46, averaging $4.23.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.95 to $3.9 per kg, while oranges range from $1.5 to $6.18 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $6.5 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.63 to $5.2 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.2.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.11 and $1.5 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.34, with a cost of $1.49 to $1.95 per km and $32 to $39.02 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is not specified in the data provided.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $97.55 and $249.21, averaging $177.25.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $39.02 to $65.04, with an average cost of $39.02.
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 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$13.01
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$52.03
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.76
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.20
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.80
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.30
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.25
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.63
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.29
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.23
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.43
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.27
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$13.01
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$28.62
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.67
Apples (1kg)
$3.06
Oranges (1kg)
$2.56
Potato (1kg)
$2.32
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.00
Tomato (1kg)
$3.78
Banana (1kg)
$2.74
Onion (1kg)
$2.09
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.99
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$5.20
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.28
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$27,308.21
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.34
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.63
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.56
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,533.71
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$177.25
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$39.02
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$13.01
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$65.04
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.01
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$65.04
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$19.51
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$65.04
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.87
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.35%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,684.59
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$8,712.19
Byron Bay Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Byron Bay offers a diverse range of dining options, with affordable meals available at casual restaurants and higher-end experiences at mid-range establishments.

Grocery prices are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk, bread, and eggs being reasonably priced.

Transportation costs are notable, especially for public transport and taxi services, which can add up quickly.

Housing data is not fully available, but utilities and internet costs are in line with typical Australian standards.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Byron Bay reflects its status as a desirable coastal destination, with a mix of affordable and premium options across various categories.

While dining and grocery costs are manageable, transportation expenses can be significant, and potential residents should budget accordingly.

Overall, Byron Bay offers a vibrant lifestyle with costs that align with its unique appeal and location.