Skyline of Adelaide
Cost of Living: 82 1,402,394

Adelaide, SA, Australia

South Australia's festival city with world-class wine regions, beautiful parklands, and affordable living.

Updated July 11, 2026
Cost of Living 82

Below Average vs Australia avg (100)

Housing Index 80

Affordable

Median Income A$72,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Adelaide vs Australia Average

Cost of Living
Adelaide: 82
Australia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Adelaide: 80
Australia Avg: 100
Income Tax
Adelaide: 32.5%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: A$72,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 1,402,394

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 45°F

Housing

  • Median Home: A$580,000
  • 1BR Rent: A$1600/mo

Cost of Living

Adelaide's cost of living index is 82 (Australia average = 100).

CategoryAdelaideNational AverageDifference
Overall82100-18.0%
Housing80100-20.0%

Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceA$580,000
Median Rent (1BR)A$1600/mo
Median Rent (2BR)A$2,000/mo
Price per Sq FtA$386

Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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%
$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Adelaide:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityA$150Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Australian household usage
Heating & CoolingA$9Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating (limited usage in mild climates)
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterA$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)A$60Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesA$269Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Adelaide

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$1,920/mo.

Adelaide Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$1,760/mo.

East Adelaide

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$1,440/mo.

West Adelaide

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$1,520/mo.

Remote Work Score

Adelaide scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
82
Rent
A$1600
Sunny Days
260
Tax
32.5%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
85°F / 45°F

Climate

Adelaide has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January65°F45°F2.5"
April70°F60°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F63°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.28% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Adelaide, SA, Australia?

The cost of living index in Adelaide is 82, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Adelaide?

The median home price in Adelaide is A$580,000. The housing index is 80.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is approximately A$1600/mo.

Does Adelaide, SA have income tax?

Adelaide is in SA, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.

What is the climate like in Adelaide?

Adelaide enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,85°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.45°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 11, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.