Can you live in Canberra with $ 1,000 a month?

Not comfortably. Estimated monthly costs are around $2,599, which exceeds this budget.

Can you live in Canberra with $ 2,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,599, you would have roughly $0 left each month (Tight Budget).

Can you live in Canberra with $ 3,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,599, you would have roughly $401 left each month (Affordable).

Can you live in Canberra with $ 5,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,599, you would have roughly $2,401 left each month (Very Comfortable).

Can you live in Canberra with $ 8,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,599, you would have roughly $5,401 left each month (Premium Lifestyle).

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Canberra, Australia

How much does it really cost to live in Canberra? Housing, food, transport, internet and more — plus what salary you need to live comfortably.

Oceania 👥 460,000 people 🌤️ Temperate climate Medium city 💱 AUD

💰 Can I afford Canberra? ⚖️ Compare this city Australia →

$ $1,300 1-bedroom rent / mo

87 Quality of life / 100

85 Safety / 100

84 Internet / 100

26 Affordability / 100

Canberra vs Brisbane ⚖️ Canberra vs Melbourne ⚖️

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Estimated Monthly Cost

Single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Rent (1-bedroom)	$1,300
Food (moderate)	$480
Transport	$75
Utilities	$120
Internet	$40
Healthcare	$110
Entertainment	$220
Total (moderate)	$2,599

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Housing Costs

Typical monthly rent in Canberra.

Shared accommodation	$550
Studio	$950
1-bedroom	$1,300
2-bedroom	$1,700
3-bedroom	$2,200

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City Scores

How Canberra rates, out of 100.

Cost of living

Safety

Quality of life

Internet

Healthcare

Transport

Nightlife

Climate

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At a Glance

Climate🌤️ Temperate
City sizeMedium
Near the seaNo
Geography🏙️ Urban
Capital cityCanberra
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyAUD
Time zoneAustralia/Sydney

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Pros and Cons of Canberra

✅ Pros

Relatively safe city
Fast and reliable internet
Good public transport network
Great overall quality of life
Good healthcare options
Vibrant nightlife and entertainment

⚠️ Cons

Higher cost of living

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Monthly Budget by Lifestyle

Based on a single person living in a 1-bedroom apartment.

Budget $1,815 per month Basic $2,085 per month Moderate $2,599 per month Comfortable $3,378 per month Premium $5,070 per month

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Can You Live in Canberra on These Salaries?

Estimated for a single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly income	Status	Remaining
$ 1,000	Very Difficult	$-1,599 / month
$ 2,000	Tight Budget	$-599 / month
$ 3,000	Affordable	$401 / month
$ 5,000	Very Comfortable	$2,401 / month
$ 8,000	Premium Lifestyle	$5,401 / month