Cost of Living

What is the Cost of Living for Doctors in Australia?

When thinking about moving to another country, it's important to consider the cost of living. Even though a higher cost of living in Australia compared to the UK doesn't necessarily mean it's not worth considering, you should ensure that you can afford your desired lifestyle based on the prices of everyday and luxury items. So, how expensive is it to live in Australia?

Where to live as a GP in Australia

In recent years, the cost of living in Australian cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, has slightly decreased. These cities have consistently been ranked as some of the best places to live globally, and this reputation continues. According to Mercer's Cost of Living Index, Sydney is the 42nd most expensive city to live in, making it a popular choice for British expats. Sydney is also considered one of the top ten cities worldwide for expats, along with Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Other cities in Australia are still popular to live in and are more affordable. Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are great places to live with a slightly lower cost of living. Coastal towns also offer a lower overall cost of living.

House and Food prices in Australia

If you want to buy a house, the cost of living affects the prices. In Sydney, the average house price is $1,021,968, while in Adelaide it's more affordable at $490,000. If you're okay with living outside the cities, the prices drop to around $300,000 in regional areas of South Australia and Victoria. Rent prices follow a similar trend, with Sydney averaging around $650 per week, while a similar-sized property in Hobart costs half of that.

The price of food is an important factor to consider. Certain foods are slightly pricier in the UK compared to Australia. For instance, a dozen eggs would cost around £1.89 in a UK supermarket, whereas the Australian equivalent would be around £2.60. However, other items like chicken breasts are nearly the same price, with only about a 0.30% difference between Australia and UK prices.

Non-essential costs in Australia

The price of eating out in Australia is generally higher than in the UK, though not significantly. Takeaways and high-end restaurants are both more expensive, but there are instances where eating out can be cheaper in Australia. Local and imported beer and soft drinks like Pepsi are pricier, while cappuccinos can be cheaper compared to the UK.

Other optional expenses differ among stores. Movie tickets cost the same, but an item in an international clothing retailer might be about 20% pricier than in the UK.

Compare Cost of Living in Australia to the UK

Australia is generally about 10% more expensive to live in than the UK. However, keep in mind that your everyday expenses will vary based on the lifestyle you choose.

As a GP in Australia, you can earn a yearly income of $300,000 to $600,000, which is around £157,000 to £314,000 in British pounds. In fact, most of our GPs who work in Australia make significantly more money compared to their previous jobs in the UK.