Cost of living in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie, a picturesque coastal town in Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty 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, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.25 on average, with a range between $10.38 and $20.77.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $38.94, with prices ranging from $32.45 to $103.83.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.73, with a range between $8.44 and $12.98.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.24 to $11.68, imported beer $4.54 to $7.79, cappuccino $2.6 to $3.89, and Coke/Pepsi $1.95 to $3.24.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.78 and $2.6 per liter, averaging $1.32.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.3 and $3.89, with an average price of $2.26.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.6 to $5.84, averaging $3.79.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.6 to $4.87 per kg, while oranges range from $1.49 to $3.89 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.95 and $3.24 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $3.18 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs around $1.95.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.97 and $1.43 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.27, with a cost of $1.39 to $1.95 per km and $36.6 to $38.94 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $986.42.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $882.59.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1946.88 to $2076.67, averaging $2011.77.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1609.42 to $1622.4, averaging $1615.91.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1297.92.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1103.23.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $77.88 and $389.38, averaging $84.36.
- Internet - Internet services range from $42.83 to $64.9, with an average cost of $55.7.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Port Macquarie offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Australian cities, with moderate housing and dining costs.
Transportation is economical, especially for public transport and fuel, making it easier to navigate the city without high expenses.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like imported goods and certain fresh produce can vary significantly in price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Port Macquarie provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options.
While dining and grocery costs are moderate, potential residents should consider the variability in prices for certain goods and services.
Overall, Port Macquarie is an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high costs associated with major urban centers.