Cost of Living: Australia vs Mongolia

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 176.0% more expensive than Mongolia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 1,659.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Mongolia, you would spend about $276 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 1,659.9%

Australia is 1,659.9% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 718.5%

Australia is 718.5% more expensive

Property Prices 371.3%

Australia is 371.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 176.0%

Australia is 176.0% more expensive than Mongolia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +1,659.9%
  • Salaries And Financing +718.5%
  • Property Prices +371.3%

Is Australia cheaper than Mongolia?

No, Mongolia is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Mongolia are 176.0% lower than in Australia.

Where Mongolia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 1,659.9% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 718.5% cheaper
  • Property Prices 371.3% cheaper

Where Mongolia is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 8.4% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Mongolia: 4.71 $
244.4% more expensive in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Mongolia: 495.58 $
178.8% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Mongolia: 7.73 $
1,159.4% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of gasoline

Australia: 1.18 $ Mongolia: 1.02 $
15.7% more expensive in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Mongolia is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 176.0% on living expenses by choosing Mongolia over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

176.0%

Australia is 176.0% more expensive than Mongolia

Restaurants

124.0%

Australia is 124.0% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Markets

170.4%

Australia is 170.4% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Other Expenses

1,659.9%

Australia is 1,659.9% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Transportation

35.5%

Australia is 35.5% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Household Utilities

141.7%

Australia is 141.7% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Mobile and Internet

255.1%

Australia is 255.1% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Sports And Leisure

11.6%

Australia is 11.6% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Childcare

107.0%

Australia is 107.0% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

8.4%

Australia is 8.4% cheaper than Mongolia in this category

Rent Per Month

121.7%

Australia is 121.7% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Property Prices

371.3%

Australia is 371.3% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Salaries And Financing

718.5%

Australia is 718.5% more expensive than Mongolia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Mongolia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 4.71 $ 244.4%
Australia is 244.4% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 29.43 $ 164.6%
Australia is 164.6% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 5.30 $ 83.6%
Australia is 83.6% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 2.52 $ 38.1%
Australia is 38.1% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 0.72 $ 263.9%
Australia is 263.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 0.47 $ 359.6%
Australia is 359.6% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 0.72 $ 109.7%
Australia is 109.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 2.20 $ 158.6%
Australia is 158.6% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 2.28 $ 43.4%
Australia is 43.4% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 7.35 $ 8.4%
Australia is 8.4% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 2.33 $ 38.6%
Australia is 38.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.41 $ 8.5%
Australia is 8.5% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 0.93 $ 163.4%
Australia is 163.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 1.94 $ 5.7%
Australia is 5.7% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 2.13 $ 102.3%
Australia is 102.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 13.32 $ 33.3%
Australia is 33.3% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 5.22 $ 61.7%
Australia is 61.7% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 11.43 $ 21.4%
Australia is 21.4% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 2.92 $ 9.2%
Australia is 9.2% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 2.56 $ 7.4%
Australia is 7.4% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 3.79 $ 22.7%
Australia is 22.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 2.64 $ 62.9%
Australia is 62.9% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 0.68 $ 263.2%
Australia is 263.2% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 0.98 $ 118.4%
Australia is 118.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 1.09 $ 103.7%
Australia is 103.7% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 7.73 $ 1,159.4%
Australia is 1,159.4% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 1.77 $ 1,659.9%
Australia is 1,659.9% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 0.15 $ 1,846.7%
Australia is 1,846.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 0.59 $ 559.3%
Australia is 559.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 0.59 $ 218.6%
Australia is 218.6% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 5.30 $ 615.1%
Australia is 615.1% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 1.02 $ 15.7%
Australia is 15.7% more expensive
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 21,777.52 $ 32.4%
Australia is 32.4% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 16,245.59 $ 39.5%
Australia is 39.5% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 72.77 $ 141.7%
Australia is 141.7% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 7.27 $ 266.7%
Australia is 266.7% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 15.16 $ 249.5%
Australia is 249.5% more expensive
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 53.95 $ 12.1%
Australia is 12.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 12.69 $ 30.7%
Australia is 30.7% more expensive
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 3.53 $ 304.5%
Australia is 304.5% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 176.57 $ 789.6%
Australia is 789.6% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 6,549.48 $ 88.6%
Australia is 88.6% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 74.52 $ 4.0%
Australia is 4.0% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 60.96 $ 16.6%
Australia is 16.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 98.75 $ 3.4%
Australia is 3.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 130.59 $ 16.0%
Australia is 16.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 495.58 $ 178.8%
Australia is 178.8% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 393.61 $ 178.4%
Australia is 178.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 1,329.16 $ 75.5%
Australia is 75.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 731.52 $ 136.4%
Australia is 136.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 1,575.93 $ 331.1%
Australia is 331.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 944.71 $ 438.2%
Australia is 438.2% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 437.02 $ 728.3%
Australia is 728.3% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 6.00 5.8%
Australia is 5.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Mongolia. 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 Mongolia 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 Mongolia

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Mongolia

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 Mongolia

Related comparisons