Skyline of Hervey Bay
Cost of Living: 68 60,441

Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia

Queensland's whale watching capital with calm waters, Fraser Island access, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Updated July 11, 2026
Cost of Living 68

Below Average vs Australia avg (100)

Housing Index 64

Affordable

Median Income A$58,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.2%

Job market health

Hervey Bay vs Australia Average

Cost of Living
Hervey Bay: 68
Australia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Hervey Bay: 64
Australia Avg: 100
Income Tax
Hervey Bay: 32.5%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: A$58,000
  • Unemployment: 6.2%
  • Population: 60,441

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 52°F

Housing

  • Median Home: A$380,000
  • 1BR Rent: A$1100/mo

Cost of Living

Hervey Bay's cost of living index is 68 (Australia average = 100).

CategoryHervey BayNational AverageDifference
Overall68100-32.0%
Housing64100-36.0%

Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceA$380,000
Median Rent (1BR)A$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)A$1,375/mo
Price per Sq FtA$253

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 Hervey Bay:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityA$165Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Australian household usage
Heating & CoolingA$2Estimated 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$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)A$65Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesA$287Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Hervey Bay

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$1,320/mo.

Hervey Bay Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$1,210/mo.

East Hervey Bay

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$990/mo.

West Hervey Bay

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$1,045/mo.

Remote Work Score

Hervey Bay scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
68
Rent
A$1100
Sunny Days
270
Tax
32.5%
Unemployment
6.2%
Climate
84°F / 52°F

Climate

Hervey Bay has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January72°F52°F2.5"
April69°F67°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F70°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.24% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.2%.

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 Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia?

The cost of living index in Hervey Bay is 68, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Hervey Bay?

The median home price in Hervey Bay is A$380,000. The housing index is 64.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hervey Bay is approximately A$1100/mo.

Does Hervey Bay, QLD have income tax?

Hervey Bay is in QLD, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.

What is the climate like in Hervey Bay?

Hervey Bay enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,84°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.52°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.