Cost of Living in South Australia (2025-2026)
The cost of living in South Australia is 92% of the national average (Australia average = 100). Housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare costs all contribute to the overall cost of living index.
Quick Answer
The cost of living in South Australia is 92% of the Australia average. Housing costs 85% of the national average, utilities 95%, food 95%, transportation 95%, and healthcare 90%.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in South Australia is 8% lower than the Australia national average (index: 92 vs. 100).
- Housing in South Australia is 15% less expensive than the national average.
- A salary of A$74,000 in South Australia has the purchasing power of about A$80,435 in an average-cost Australia area.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | South Australia Index | Australia Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 100 | -8% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15% |
| Utilities | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Food | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Transportation | 95 | 100 | -5% |
| Healthcare | 90 | 100 | -10% |
Base: Australia average = 100. Values above 100 indicate above-average costs.
Calculate Your Budget in South Australia
Use our free calculators to estimate your salary, mortgage, and taxes in South Australia.
South Australia Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in South Australia is 92% of the national average, meaning residents pay approximately 8% lower for goods and services compared to the typical Australia household.
For context, a household earning the South Australia average salary of A$74,000 per year has an effective purchasing power of about A$80,435 when adjusted for national cost differences.
Housing Costs in South Australia
Housing is typically the largest expense for households, and in South Australia it is 15% below the national average (index: 85).
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and home prices in South Australia.
Utilities, Food, and Transportation in South Australia
Beyond housing, the main cost categories in South Australia are:
Utilities (index: 95): Below the national average by 5%. Food (index: 95): 5% below the national average. Transportation (index: 95): 5% below the national average. Healthcare (index: 90): 10% below the national average.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in South Australia
The relationship between salary and cost of living is essential for financial planning. The average salary in South Australia is A$74,000 per year. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 92, this salary provides a standard of living equivalent to earning approximately A$80,435 in a typical Australia city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Australia?
The cost of living in South Australia is 92% of the Australia average, meaning expenses are 8% lower than the typical household.
How much does housing cost in South Australia?
Housing in South Australia has a cost index of 85 (national average: 100), making it 15% less expensive than the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in South Australia?
Based on the cost of living index of 92, you would need approximately A$80,435 in South Australia to maintain the same standard of living as the national average salary.
How does South Australia cost of living compare to other regions?
South Australia's cost of living index of 92 places it lower than the Australia national average.
Sources
- Government statistics, Australia
- Cost of living research data, Australia
- National real estate data, Australia
Last updated: June 2026