How much does it cost to travel to Australia?
You should plan to spend around $163 (AU$250) per day on your vacation in Australia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $35 (AU$53) on meals
- $30 (AU$46) on local transportation
- $141 (AU$215) on hotels
A one week trip to Australia for two people costs, on average, $2,284 (AU$3,495). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Australia expensive to visit?
Australia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Australia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to New Zealand or French Polynesia.
For more details, see Is Australia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Australia?
The average Australia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Australia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category | Cost |
---|---|
Accommodation1(Double Occupancy) | AU$215($141) |
Local Transportation1 | AU$46($30) |
Food2 | AU$53($35) |
Entertainment1 | AU$47($31) |
Tips and Handouts1 | AU$106 -318($69 - 207) |
Alcohol2 | AU$11 -33($7 - 22) |
Accommodation Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Australia is $70 (AU$108). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Australia is $141 (AU$215). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
$70
AU$108
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
$141
AU$215
Hotel Prices in Australia
Looking for a hotel in Australia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Australia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $123. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Recommended Properties
Local Transportation Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The cost of a taxi ride in Australia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $30 (AU$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Australia.
Local Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$30
AU$46
Recommended Services
What did other people spend on Local Transportation?
Typical prices for Local Transportation in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Tram Ride
AU$3.80
Taxi to Airport
See AlsoQueen gives Bank chiefs a ticking orf over the crash as she visits vaultsThrifty in the Big Apple: Conquer NYC on a Budget - shefuelsCoiba Island & Hannibal BanksAU$25
Airport Bus
AU$16
Taxi Ride
AU$20
Shuttle from the Train Station
AU$5.50
Shuttle to Train Station
AU$15
Airtrain to the City
AU$15
Go Card
AU$25
Food Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While meal prices in Australia can vary, the average cost of food in Australia is $35 (AU$53) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Australia should cost around $14 (AU$21) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Australia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Food2Meals for one day
$35
AU$53
Recommended
What did other people spend on Food?
Typical prices for Food in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Pizza
AU$7.00
Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
AU$90
Meat Pies
AU$5.00
Food/Drink Coogie Beach
AU$15
Lunch Special
AU$15
Coffee
AU$5.00
Tea
AU$4.00
Coffee
AU$4.00
Entertainment Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Entertainment and activities in Australia typically cost an average of $31 (AU$47) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$31
AU$47
Recommended Activities
What did other people spend on Entertainment?
Typical prices for Entertainment in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Powerhouse Museum
AU$15
Surfing Museum (for 2)
AU$11
Sunset Cruise (for 2)
AU$20
Surf Lesson
AU$65
Surf Lesson
AU$120
Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
AU$130
Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
AU$190
Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
AU$46
Tips and Handouts Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Australia is $138 (AU$212) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Australia is 5% - 15%.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
$138
AU$212
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Australia is $184 (AU$281), as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$184
AU$281
Alcohol Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $14 (AU$22) on alcoholic beverages in Australia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
$14
AU$22
Recommended
What did other people spend on Alcohol?
Typical prices for Alcohol in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Bottle of Wine
AU$7.75
Wine
AU$7.00
Wine
AU$16
Drinks at a Bar
AU$14
Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
AU$7.00
Glass of Wine
AU$7.00
Evening at a Bar
AU$24
Guiness Beer
AU$8.50
Water Budget in Australia
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend $3.60 (AU$5.51) on bottled water in Australia per day. The public water in Australia is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
$3.60
AU$5.51
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024
Australia On a Budget
Barossa Valley vinyards at sunset
Australia is both a country and a continent. While it is most famous for it's wilderness and stunning natural beauty, it is also one of the world's most developed and economically thriving countries. Perhaps one of the most famous areas in the country is the "outback," but other national parks and the Great Barrier Reef all have much to offer adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers.
The area has far more to offer than just adventure sports and outdoor settings. There are countless cosmopolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. If you're a beach lover you'll have miles of coastline to explore, and foodies will find many international and local restaurants that receive rave reviews.
For many, Australia seems like a far off destination. It takes an entire day to fly there from North America. It's in the southern hemisphere, so July is cold and Christmas is hot. It's a country that looks strikingly like any other westernized country, but it has animals and vegetation that are uniquely its own. It's these familiarities, yet sharp differences that make this part of the world a favorite destination for the young and old alike.
The days of budget travel in this part of the world are long gone. Not only is it an expensive plane flight from most of the world, but the cost of living has skyrocketed in the area. Simple meals, accommodation (hostels, mid-range, or high-end hotels), and transportation all cost more than you would expect. Despite the increasing cost of travel here, there are some tips you can follow to keep your budget in check. Probably the best cost saving tip is to cook your own meals if you have access to a kitchen. Restaurants are not cheap and you can easily save a lot of money by stocking up on groceries and preparing your own food. If you're renting a vehicle and traveling alone, find other travelers to split the cost. Most people will want to rent a car at some point during their trip. Coordinate with others and you'll easily cut the transportation costs in half.
At A Glance
- Australia is located in the southern hemisphere so the winter there runs between June and August and the summer is between December and February. The winter is also the dry season in the tropical areas and the summer is the wet season. If you're in the southern areas of the East Coast then the rain is more evenly distributed throughout the year but in the southern parts of the country there are more extreme temperature variations.
- This is a very multicultural country with some of the most diverse cities being Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. Each of these cities is well known for its diversity of restaurants which represent a global population. Melbourne in particular is known as the center for the arts while Brisbane has many different multicultural urban villages. If you're looking for the area's best festivals then these are often found in Adelaide where there is a strong German influence.
- Do take note that this country has very strict quarantine requirements. Because it is an island with highly diverse and unique biodiversity, the government works hard to prevent the introduction of invasive species. You must declare all animal and vegetable derived products and your luggage will be thoroughly scanned. If you don't declare something then there is a strictly enforced $220 fine and prosecution in some more serious cases.
- This is a country where you drive on the left hand side of the road. This may be challenging for visitors who are used to driving on the right. As a general rule, overseas licenses are valid for driving up to three months after you arrive. If your license isn't in English you will be required to get an International Driving Permit.
- You will likely need to fly at least once during your trip. Compare plane ticket prices on consolidator websites but purchase the tickets directly from the airlines to avoid any additional charges.
Related:
Looking for a party? Find a hostel in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, or along the Gold Coast.
Top Tourist Attractions
The Great Barrier Reef: Perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers alike, this natural wonder is awe inspiring and beautiful. Many divers come to Australia specifically for the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest continuous coral reef in the world. You can arrange dive or snorkel trips after you arrive through any number of dive shops around town.
Sydney Harbor: The most famous landmark in Sydney, this area is a beautiful natural harbor that is home to both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It's probably the most photographed area in Sydney.
Ayers Rock: Uluru is of religious significance to the Aborigines. It's an amazing sight, particularly at sunrise and sunset and is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the country. The easiest way to get to Ayers Rock is by plane.
Popular Foods
Australian cuisine is very multicultural. You'll find international restaurants in almost any city, but you'll also find pubs and bars that serve up the typical meat pies and fish and chips. Barbecue is a popular activity and you can get grilled meat any number of places.
Meat Pie: A popular lunch dish throughout the country is a simple, small, meat filled pie. It's usually made from pastry and stuffed with minced meat and gravy. You can find any number of variations and some include cheese or mushrooms. Meat pies are available in cafe style restaurants and are often a cheap meal option.
Fish and Chips: Similar to their British counterpart, Australian fish and chips are made with battered and deep fried fish. They are often served with chips (french fries). This is a greasy but cheap meal option that is available in most towns and cities. You'll usually find the best versions in traditional pubs.
Barbeque: An Australian tradition, barbeque in this country includes a variety of meat types, anything from fish to steak. It's prepared outdoors on a grill and typically eaten outdoors as well. Many guesthouses, hostels, and hotels will host a barbeque once a week which offers a great way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a filling meal.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.