Is Australia expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Australia is one of the more expensive countries to travel in, roughly on a par with the UK, Scandinavia or Switzerland for eating out and accommodation. Distances are huge, so domestic flights add a lot: roughly A$500-1,000 for a classic Sydney-Uluru-Cairns-Melbourne loop. Expect about A$325 per person per day mid-range before flights, with beds and tours taking the biggest share.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | A$60 | A$130 | A$280 |
| Food & drink | A$50 | A$90 | A$160 |
| Sights & tickets | A$30 | A$80 | A$180 |
| Local transport | A$15 | A$25 | A$60 |
| Per person, per day | A$155 | A$325 | A$680 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Australia day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Flat white in a cafe | about A$5-6 |
| Main course in Surry Hills or Newtown | A$25-40 |
| Pint of beer in a pub | about A$12-15 |
| Sydney ferry to Manly (Opal tap) | about A$8-9 |
| Sydney Opera House guided tour | about A$45-50 |
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta park pass (3 days) | about A$38 |
| Sydney Airport train to the city | about A$20 including the station fee |
| Mid-range double room, Sydney CBD | A$220-350 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest single cost, especially in Sydney, at Uluru (where Ayers Rock Resort is the only option) and around the Great Barrier Reef. Activities are the second: reef trips, BridgeClimb (A$300-400), Scenic World or desert dinners can each cost a day's budget. Eating out is expensive by global standards, though portions are large and supermarkets are reasonable. Domestic flights between regions are unavoidable on a short trip, and car hire plus fuel is costly in the Outback. All prices include 10% GST, and tipping is not expected.
When it is cheaper
In the south, the cool months (roughly May to August, outside school holidays) bring lower hotel prices in Sydney and Melbourne. In the tropical north the wet season (December to April) is cheaper, while Uluru is cheaper in the hot summer; savings can be 20-30% but check current rates.
How to spend less
- Tap a contactless card on Sydney's Opal readers: weekday fares cap at about A$19, with lower caps on weekends.
- Book domestic flights 1-3 months ahead with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar; last-minute fares are much higher.
- Self-cater some meals from Coles, Woolworths or Aldi and use the free public barbecues in parks and beaches.
- Use the free coastal walks, beaches and botanic gardens instead of paid attractions.
- Ride Melbourne's free tram zone in the CBD instead of taxis.
- Bring a fly net and water bottle to Uluru so you do not pay resort-shop prices.
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Common questions
How much does a trip to Australia cost per day?
Roughly A$155 per person on a budget, A$325 mid-range and A$680 in comfort, not including domestic flights, which add about A$500-1,000 for a multi-region trip.
Do you tip in Australia?
Tipping is not expected because wages are relatively high. Rounding up or leaving 10% for great service in a restaurant is appreciated but optional.
Why are domestic flights so important in Australia?
The distances are enormous: Sydney to Uluru is a flight of about 3h30. Flying is usually the only practical way to see several regions in two weeks.