Cost of Living: Australia vs Israel

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Israel.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 16.8% more expensive than Israel. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 191.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Israel, you would spend about $117 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 191.9%

Australia is 191.9% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 97.7%

Australia is 97.7% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 20.5%

Australia is 20.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 16.8%

Australia is 16.8% more expensive than Israel

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +191.9%
  • Mobile and Internet +97.7%
  • Salaries And Financing +20.5%

Is Australia cheaper than Israel?

No, Israel is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Israel are 16.8% lower than in Australia.

Where Israel is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 191.9% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 97.7% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 20.5% cheaper

Where Israel is more expensive:

  • Transportation 42.1% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 27.8% more expensive
  • Property Prices 26.3% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Israel: 21.06 $
23.0% cheaper in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Israel: 1,179.32 $
17.1% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Israel: 66.27 $
46.9% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of milk

Australia: 1.53 $ Israel: 1.97 $
22.3% cheaper in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Israel is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 16.8% on living expenses by choosing Israel over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

16.8%

Australia is 16.8% more expensive than Israel

Restaurants

13.4%

Australia is 13.4% cheaper than Israel in this category

Markets

14.3%

Australia is 14.3% more expensive than Israel in this category

Other Expenses

191.9%

Australia is 191.9% more expensive than Israel in this category

Transportation

42.1%

Australia is 42.1% cheaper than Israel in this category

Household Utilities

27.8%

Australia is 27.8% cheaper than Israel in this category

Mobile and Internet

97.7%

Australia is 97.7% more expensive than Israel in this category

Sports And Leisure

23.5%

Australia is 23.5% cheaper than Israel in this category

Childcare

0.8%

Australia is 0.8% more expensive than Israel in this category

Clothing And Shoes

16.7%

Australia is 16.7% cheaper than Israel in this category

Rent Per Month

16.4%

Australia is 16.4% more expensive than Israel in this category

Property Prices

26.3%

Australia is 26.3% cheaper than Israel in this category

Salaries And Financing

20.5%

Australia is 20.5% more expensive than Israel in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Israel Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 21.06 $ 23.0%
Australia is 23.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 84.24 $ 7.5%
Australia is 7.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 16.01 $ 39.2%
Australia is 39.2% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 4.02 $ 13.4%
Australia is 13.4% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 2.91 $ 10.0%
Australia is 10.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 2.32 $ 6.9%
Australia is 6.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 1.43 $ 5.6%
Australia is 5.6% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 3.50 $ 62.6%
Australia is 62.6% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 4.00 $ 67.8%
Australia is 67.8% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 8.41 $ 5.2%
Australia is 5.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 2.16 $ 33.8%
Australia is 33.8% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.97 $ 22.3%
Australia is 22.3% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 2.58 $ 5.0%
Australia is 5.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 2.88 $ 28.8%
Australia is 28.8% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 4.06 $ 6.2%
Australia is 6.2% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 15.23 $ 41.6%
Australia is 41.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 11.18 $ 24.5%
Australia is 24.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 19.86 $ 30.1%
Australia is 30.1% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 3.41 $ 6.5%
Australia is 6.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 2.25 $ 22.2%
Australia is 22.2% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 1.95 $ 50.3%
Australia is 50.3% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 2.30 $ 87.0%
Australia is 87.0% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 1.54 $ 60.4%
Australia is 60.4% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 1.58 $ 35.4%
Australia is 35.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 1.95 $ 13.8%
Australia is 13.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 66.27 $ 46.9%
Australia is 46.9% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 10.67 $ 191.9%
Australia is 191.9% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 1.68 $ 73.8%
Australia is 73.8% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 4.77 $ 18.4%
Australia is 18.4% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 0.84 $ 123.8%
Australia is 123.8% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 31.34 $ 20.9%
Australia is 20.9% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 2.03 $ 41.9%
Australia is 41.9% cheaper
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 44,929.94 $ 35.8%
Australia is 35.8% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 43,964.10 $ 48.5%
Australia is 48.5% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 243.77 $ 27.8%
Australia is 27.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 11.42 $ 133.5%
Australia is 133.5% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 28.86 $ 83.6%
Australia is 83.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 69.20 $ 31.5%
Australia is 31.5% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 20.55 $ 19.3%
Australia is 19.3% cheaper
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 12.64 $ 13.0%
Australia is 13.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 1,038.38 $ 51.3%
Australia is 51.3% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 12,776.83 $ 3.3%
Australia is 3.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 92.87 $ 22.9%
Australia is 22.9% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 58.40 $ 12.9%
Australia is 12.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 118.87 $ 14.1%
Australia is 14.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 130.95 $ 16.2%
Australia is 16.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 1,179.32 $ 17.1%
Australia is 17.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 954.22 $ 14.9%
Australia is 14.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 1,883.22 $ 23.9%
Australia is 23.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 1,602.86 $ 7.9%
Australia is 7.9% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 8,821.39 $ 23.0%
Australia is 23.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 7,287.28 $ 30.2%
Australia is 30.2% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 3,004.78 $ 20.5%
Australia is 20.5% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 4.92 29.1%
Australia is 29.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Israel. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Israel goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Israel

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

Israel

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Israel

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