🧮 Budget
Australia isn’t cheap, but the high wages more than make up for it — if you plan your first months well. Here’s a realistic breakdown of the cost of living for backpackers, and how much money to bring.
How much money should you bring?
Most working-holiday makers arrive with AUD $3,000–5,000 as a buffer. That covers your first few weeks of accommodation, food, transport and setup costs (SIM, deposits) while you find work and wait for your first pay. Bring more if you plan to buy a car or campervan.
Typical monthly living costs
Costs vary a lot between big cities and regional towns, but a rough monthly guide for one person sharing:
- $Rent (shared house/hostel) — AUD $900–1,500/month, higher in Sydney.
- $Groceries — AUD $400–600/month if you cook at home.
- $Transport — AUD $120–200/month for public transport.
- $Phone & extras — AUD $30–50/month prepaid, plus going out.
All in, budget roughly AUD $1,800–2,800 per month to live comfortably — easily covered by full-time casual work.
Where your money goes furthest
Rent is the biggest lever. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive; Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and regional towns are noticeably cheaper. Many travellers start in a hostel, then move into a share house. Working in regional Australia often means lower rent and progress towards a second-year visa. See our guide to the best cities for jobs.
The trick isn’t spending less — it’s earning early. The faster you land your first job, the less of your savings you burn through. We help you get set up and working quickly so your buffer lasts.
Can you save money in Australia?
Absolutely. With Australia’s high wages, most people who work consistently save far more than they spend — often AUD $15,000–25,000 across a year, especially with a stint of well-paid regional or mining work.
Frequently asked questions
Most travellers bring AUD $3,000–5,000 to cover their first few weeks of accommodation, food and setup costs before their first pay arrives.
Living costs for one person sharing are roughly AUD $1,800–2,800 per month, including rent, groceries, transport and a phone — comfortably covered by full-time casual work.
Australia has a high cost of living, but wages are also high. Because casual pay often exceeds AUD $30 per hour, most working travellers still save money each month.
Want a clear budget for your move?
Book a free call. We’ll help you plan your first months, land work fast, and make your savings stretch further down under.
Prices vary by city and season and change over time. Use these figures as a rough guide and confirm current costs locally before you rely on them.