What is the cost of living in Canberra?

The cost of living in Canberra is 50.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.0). Groceries are 7.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 25.1% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately AUD 2,497 per month. Local purchasing power index is 138.3 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Australia?

In Australia, a gross salary of AUD 81,435 per year results in approximately AUD 5,431 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 20.0%). Use our Australia tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇦🇺 Australia · #146 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Canberra?

Q: Should I move to Canberra?

Canberra, Australia has a cost of living 50.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.0). It is ranked #146 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 138.3 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Australia earning AUD 81,435 gross take home approximately AUD 5,431/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

50.0% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-50.0%

vs NYC

AUD 2,497

1-BR, city centre

AUD 5,431

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Canberra?

Example: AUD 81,435 gross/year in Australia → AUD 5,431/month net after tax (20% effective rate). Full Australia tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Canberra

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.0 Expensive

Rent

37.9 Affordable

Groceries

92.6 Above average

Restaurants

74.9 Moderate

Purchasing Power

138.3 Very strong

Rent in Canberra

1-BR, city centre AUD 2,497/mo

1-BR, outside centre AUD 2,117/mo

3-BR, city centre AUD 4,412/mo

3-BR, outside centre AUD 2,831/mo

Save by going outside centre 15% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Australia take-home pay

AUD 81,435 → AUD 5,431/Net take-home (20% effective rate, single filer)

Full Australia tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇦🇺 Gold Coast

Australia

CoL index 52.4

Compare Gold Coast vs Canberra →

🇦🇺 Brisbane

Australia

CoL index 52.4

Compare Brisbane vs Canberra →

🇦🇺 Adelaide

Australia

CoL index 53.3

Compare Adelaide vs Canberra →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Canberra after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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