Ballarat, Australia
Victoria's historic gold rush city with Sovereign Hill, grand Victorian architecture, and a vibrant arts scene.
Overview
Ballarat is a city in Victoria with a population of 116,201. Victoria’s historic gold rush city with Sovereign Hill, grand Victorian architecture, and a vibrant arts scene. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Australia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Ballarat vs Australia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: A$60,000
- Unemployment: 5.8%
- Population: 116,201
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 40°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 80 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: A$350,000
- 1BR Rent: A$1000/mo
Cost of Living
Ballarat's cost of living index is 68 (Australia average = 100).
| Category | Ballarat | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 68 | 100 | -32.0% |
| Housing | 62 | 100 | -38.0% |
Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | A$350,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | A$1000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | A$1,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | A$233 |
Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Ballarat:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | A$150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | A$15 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$295 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Remote Work Score
Ballarat scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Ballarat has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F | 40°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 55°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 58°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Ballarat faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat across much of the continent.
Bushfire-prone region.
Significant cyclone risk.
Frequent droughts across much of the continent.
Flash floods.
Winter storms.
Eastern Australia experiences tornadoes.
Dust storms in interior regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Ballarat per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Victorian Department of Education sets the calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Ballarat is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2021 (2021)
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 Ballarat, Australia?
The cost of living index in Ballarat is 68, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Ballarat?
The median home price in Ballarat is A$350,000. The housing index is 62.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ballarat is approximately A$1000/mo.
Does Ballarat, VIC have income tax?
Ballarat is in VIC, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.
What is the climate like in Ballarat?
Ballarat enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 40°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Data last updated: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.