Skyline of Rockhampton
Cost of Living: 68 80,665

Rockhampton, QLD, Australia

Central Queensland's beef capital with the Fitzroy River, Great Keppel Island, and historic architecture.

Updated July 11, 2026
Cost of Living 68

Below Average vs Australia avg (100)

Housing Index 64

Affordable

Median Income A$64,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.5%

Job market health

Rockhampton vs Australia Average

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

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: A$64,000
  • Unemployment: 5.5%
  • Population: 80,665

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 52°F

Housing

  • Median Home: A$360,000
  • 1BR Rent: A$1050/mo

Cost of Living

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

CategoryRockhamptonNational AverageDifference
Overall68100-32.0%
Housing64100-36.0%

Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceA$360,000
Median Rent (1BR)A$1050/mo
Median Rent (2BR)A$1,313/mo
Price per Sq FtA$240

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 Rockhampton:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityA$170Based 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)A$3Estimated 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$295Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Rockhampton

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$1,260/mo.

Rockhampton Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$1,155/mo.

East Rockhampton

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$945/mo.

West Rockhampton

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$998/mo.

Remote Work Score

Rockhampton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
68
Rent
A$1050
Sunny Days
260
Tax
32.5%
Unemployment
5.5%
Climate
86°F / 52°F

Climate

Rockhampton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January72°F52°F2.5"
April71°F67°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°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 5.5%.

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 Rockhampton, QLD, Australia?

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

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

The median home price in Rockhampton is A$360,000. The housing index is 64.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rockhampton is approximately A$1050/mo.

Does Rockhampton, QLD have income tax?

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

What is the climate like in Rockhampton?

Rockhampton enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,86°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.