Costs & Budget
Australia is not a budget destination — the cost of living is high, comparable to Scandinavia. But with the right strategy, you can have a fantastic vacation even on a smaller budget.
Daily budget per person
| Style | AUD/Day | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 80–120 | 50–75 | Hostel/Camping | Self-cooking & Fast Food | Greyhound Bus |
| Budget | 120–180 | 75–112 | Motel/Airbnb | Pubs & Cafés | Car sharing |
| Mid-range | 180–300 | 112–187 | 3★ Hotel/B&B | Restaurants | Rental car/Domestic flights |
| Comfort | 300–500 | 187–312 | 4★ Hotel/Boutique | Fine dining | Flights & Rental car |
| Luxury | 500+ | 312+ | 5★/Luxury Lodge | Hatted Restaurants | Private tours |
What costs what? (Reference values 2025/26)
- Hostel bed: 35–55 AUD/night
- Double room motel: 100–160 AUD/night
- Mid-range hotel: 180–300 AUD/night
- Campervan rental: from 60 AUD/day (season dependent)
- Coffee Flat White: 4.50–6 AUD
- Pub meal: 18–28 AUD
- Restaurant (main course): 30–55 AUD
- Beer (pint): 10–14 AUD
- Gasoline: approx. 1.80–2.20 AUD/liter
- Domestic flight (Sydney–Melbourne): from 80 AUD (Qantas/Jetstar)
- Greyhound Bus (Sydney–Melbourne): from 65 AUD
- GBR day trip: 200–280 AUD
- Harbour Bridge Climb: 288–403 AUD
Savings tips
- Woolworths & Coles: Cooking for yourself is the cheapest option in the major supermarkets. Both have "Specials" (special offers) every week.
- BYO restaurants: "Bring Your Own" wine — many restaurants allow you to bring your own alcohol for a small corkage fee (5–10 AUD). Wine in the bottleshop is significantly cheaper.
- Happy Hour: Many pubs offer discounted drinks and bar food from 4–6 PM.
- Free Walking Tours: Excellent free city tours (tip-based) are available in Sydney and Melbourne.
- National Park Pass: A state pass is worthwhile for multiple parks (e.g., NSW Discovery Pass for 65 AUD).
💡 Tipp
The exchange rate fluctuates: As of 2026, approximately 1 € ≈ 1.60 AUD. Australia is cashless — credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts. Still, carry some cash for markets and small shops.