Is Tasmania expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Tasmania costs about the same as mainland Australia, which makes it expensive compared with most of Europe or Asia, mainly because of accommodation and the rental car you need to explore. Expect about A$155 a day per person on a tight budget, about A$335 mid-range and A$710 or more for comfort. Lodges near the national parks, car hire and fuel take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | A$50 | A$140 | A$350 |
| Food & drink | A$50 | A$90 | A$170 |
| Sights & tickets | A$20 | A$45 | A$100 |
| Local transport | A$35 | A$60 | A$90 |
| Per person, per day | A$155 | A$335 | A$710 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Tasmania day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Curried scallop pie from a bakery | roughly A$9–14 |
| Fish and chips at Constitution Dock | roughly A$18–30 |
| A dozen oysters at a farm | roughly A$20–40 |
| Glass of Tasmanian wine | about A$12–18 |
| Restaurant dinner | about A$50–100 per person |
| MONA ferry and entry | roughly A$70–90 together for interstate and international visitors (check current prices) |
| Port Arthur Historic Site entry | around A$50 for adults |
| Rental car | roughly A$70–130 a day, more in summer |
| Mid-range hotel in Hobart | A$200–350 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost: hostels, motels and cabins start around A$40–150, mid-range hotels in Hobart and lodges at Coles Bay or Cradle Mountain cost A$200–400, and luxury lodges A$450–1,200. A rental car (roughly A$70–130 a day) and fuel are essential for a touring route, and the Parks Pass is extra. Food is the third big item, with restaurant dinners of A$50–100 per person, though bakeries, markets and fish-and-chip stalls are cheaper. Paid highlights such as MONA, Port Arthur and a Wineglass Bay cruise (around A$150–200) add up.
When it is cheaper
Winter (June to August) and the shoulder months of May and September usually have noticeably lower rates for rooms and car hire than the December–February peak. Summer, and especially the Christmas and New Year period, is the most expensive time; book early for that season.
How to spend less
- Buy the Parks Pass Holiday Pass for a vehicle, which covers all national parks for up to eight weeks.
- Book the rental car early for summer, and consider a one-way hire between Hobart and Launceston.
- Buy oysters, cheese and fruit directly from farm gates and markets rather than in restaurants.
- Have a bakery scallop pie for lunch and keep restaurant meals for the evening.
- Walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout instead of taking the cruise if you are fit.
- Look for cabins at campgrounds near the parks, which are often cheaper than lodges.
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Common questions
Is Tasmania expensive?
It costs about the same as mainland Australia. Plan on about A$155 a day on a budget, A$335 mid-range and A$710 or more for comfort.
How much does a rental car cost in Tasmania?
Roughly A$70–130 a day, more in summer. Book early for December to February.
How much is the Parks Pass?
It varies by type; the Holiday Pass for a vehicle covers all parks for up to eight weeks and is the best value for a road trip. Check current prices online.