The cost of living in Australia is about 10% less than in the US, and slightly less than in the UK. The cost of living in Tasmania is close to or below the Australian average.

Compared to overseas:

The cost of housing is very low, less than the cheaper regions of the US. Consumer items such as cars, clothing, CD's, electrical goods, etc. are considerably more expensive than in many places. The cost of consumables averages out to be similar to overseas - petrol is more expensive, but food is cheaper.

Taxes in Australia are slightly higher than most other countries (except Europe), but health care, education and so forth is socialised and therefore relatively inexpensive.

Also see the related question, How do I move all my possessions to Tasmania.

Compared to the rest of Australia:

In absolute terms, the weekly cost of housing in Hobart in 2004 was 33% cheaper than the national average, and nearly half that of Sydney.

However, Hobart's consumer price index (CPI) is close to the Australian average, largely due to lower wages. Hobart's CPI is higher than the national average for health and household goods, and lower for food and transportation.

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Last reviewed 2006-08-05 17:39:54