Cost of Living in Hobart: A Complete Guide in 2026

Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is an incredibly beautiful and unique city in Australia. Hobart sits between the mountains and the water, attracting those looking for a slower way of life, with access to farmers’ markets for locally produced food, its culture, and breathtaking nature. How much money does it take to live in Hobart on a normal day in 2026? This guide provides an overview of the various types of costs you will encounter in Hobart, including housing, food and drink, transportation, utility bills, entertainment, health care, and education. Continue reading this article to know actual dollar amounts, along with trustworthy, helpful hints to help you determine how much to incorporate into your plan.

Whether you are moving to Hobart, joining a school, working remotely, or just comparing prices with other cities in Australia, this extensive breakdown will help you accurately budget for your move.

Overview of Hobart: Affordable but Rising

Hobart is considered cheaper than other major cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne; however, this does not mean that it is an affordable city by all definitions. The majority of the prices you will see daily are about average for all Australians. However, many other prices, particularly those related to housing, exceed the income of residents in the surrounding area. Due to its small size and slower pace, Hobart encourages a strong community spirit. Still, in recent years, the rising cost of living, particularly rent, has been affecting the city and its residents.

This article provides an overview of the major expenses associated with living in Hobart.

1. Housing Costs in Hobart: What Will You Pay?

When you first begin looking for a rental, the very first question most people will ask is, “How much will it cost to rent?” For many people, renting is often the single most important part of their overall monthly budget, and, in many ways, Hobart’s rental market has been squeezed in recent times due to high demand for a limited number of rental properties.

Rental Prices: Real Figures

If you’re looking to rent, here is a current guide to what you can expect:

• 1‑Bedroom Apartment (in the City Centre): Prices range from AUD 1,550 to AUD 1,600 per month, depending on the exact location and quality.
• 1‑Bedroom Outside City Centre: Usually about AUD 1,150 a month.
• 3‑Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): Around AUD 2,150 per month.
• 3‑Bedroom Outside City Centre: Costs about AUD 1,550 per month.

In 2026, rents for homes in Hobart are likely to be determined by what landlords are asking for their properties today and to reflect average rental prices in the area’s major residential areas (for example, close to the city centre or in popular areas). Typically, apartment rents are lower than those in central Hobart or near popular parts of the city.

Due to changes in the housing market, many renters have found it easier to rent a house shared with others or one farther from the city centre than one close to it.

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2. Understanding Utilities Expenses

Although rent is a major component of housing costs, most renters also need to consider other housing-related expenses, such as utilities (water, electricity, heating, and internet), that play a role in reducing the overall cost of housing while maintaining the ability to enjoy comfortable living.

Standard Monthly Utility Costs

Below are the usual estimates, summed up according to your situation:

• Electricity, Heating, Water, and Garbage (Small House): Around AUD 180–280 per month.
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited): Around AUD 50–70 per month.
• Mobile Phone Plan (with data): Typically around AUD 25–35 per month.

Hobart has moderate summer temperatures, with mild to cool winter temperatures, which will slightly increase electricity and heating expenses; however, telephone and internet pricing are competitive with other major cities in Australia, allowing residents of Hobart easy access to the internet.

3. Groceries: Daily Essentials and Food Prices

The cost of groceries in Hobart is generally reasonable; however, the actual prices of goods may vary significantly between stores. Hobart has many farms, and the majority of consumers prefer shopping for groceries at a farmer’s market for better prices and a wider selection of fresh produce.

Common Grocery Prices

Below are the average prices of daily items you might expect to see:

• Milk (1 litre): Around AUD 1.80–2.20
• Bread (500 g): About AUD 2.50–3.00
• Rice (1 kg): Around AUD 1.70–2.00
• Eggs (12): Around AUD 4.50–5.50
• Chicken Breast (1 kg): Between AUD 8 and 12
• Apples (1 kg): Around AUD 3–3.50

The following average prices reflect normal grocery expenses in Hobart. Although some prices vary between chains and speciality grocery stores, the average cost of groceries in Hobart is comparable to that of other mid-sized cities in Australia. On average, Hobartians have access to better-quality local fruits and vegetables than consumers in different cities, thanks to the high number of local farmers in Tasmania.

4. Dining Out: Enjoying the Food Scene in Hobart

Hobart is known for its fantastic cafe culture and a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. Even though it can be tempting to dine out often, consumers typically reserve eating out for special occasions.

Restaurant and Cafe Costs

• Casual Meal (budget restaurant): Around AUD 15–25
• Mid‑Range Restaurant (three courses for two): Around AUD 60–100
• Coffee (regular cup): Around AUD 5–7
• Local Beer (pint): Around AUD 7–10

If you frequently eat out at cafes and pubs, your food and beverage expenses can quickly add up. Many residents of Hobart manage this by preparing meals at home on most evenings, with only special occasions for going out to eat at restaurants.

5. Transportation: Getting Around Hobart

Due to Hobart’s compact geography, residents can easily get around without owning a vehicle, using public transport, or walking.

Public Transport

Public buses cover the city and suburbs, and a typical one‑way ticket costs around AUD 3–4, while a monthly pass can be AUD 65–100 depending on usage.

Fuel and Driving Costs

If you plan on using a car:

• Petrol (per litre): Around AUD 1.20–1.80
• Taxi (start tariff): Around AUD 4–6, plus per‑kilometre charges

When fuel prices rise and fall due to changes in the oil market, Hobart’s gasoline prices have remained reasonably aligned with the average Australian gasoline price. In addition to regular fuel expenses, residents should also consider the other costs of owning an automobile, including insurance and maintenance, when budgeting for their operating costs if they plan to operate a vehicle regularly.

5. Healthcare: Staying Healthy in Hobart

The Australian public health system, known as Medicare, allows residents to access medical facilities and services without paying full price. However, this option may not be available if someone does not meet the eligibility requirements or chooses the private option for their healthcare coverage.

If someone chooses to pay out of pocket for their medical expenses or prefers private healthcare coverage, these costs are typically billed directly by their healthcare provider, and the out-of-pocket expense for a typical visit to a private physician generally is between $50.00 and $70.00.

Healthcare expenses vary widely between individuals; the amount paid out of pocket for other types of healthcare services, such as dental or specialist visits, will differ widely depending on individual healthcare needs.

6. Education: School and Study Costs

Schooling and education are essential parts of many budgets, whether you have children or you are currently enrolled in school yourself. Costs can vary widely, depending on whether you are looking at public, private, or international schools, as well as universities and other educational programs.

From a Parent’s Perspective

Most public schools in Hobart are free. However, there may be some minimal annual fees associated with buying school supplies and/or participating in various school-related activities. Private or international school costs can be substantially higher than those of public schools.

From a Student’s Perspective

If you are currently attending university or a college language school in Hobart, it is important to include in your monthly budget any accommodation costs (rent), the cost of necessary textbooks, and any day-to-day living expenses. Most international students have reported an approximate monthly budget between AUD 1800 and $2800, which should allow you to pay for rent, food, transportation, and other living expenses.

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7. Entertainment and Leisure: Life Beyond Basics

There are many ways to have fun and relax in Hobart. You can choose to go to the movies, join a gym, or enjoy the outdoors. There is something to suit all budgets and lifestyles, and there are many more things to enjoy besides the basics.

• Gym Membership: Around AUD 40–50 per month
• Cinema Ticket: Around AUD 15–20
• Local Theatre or Shows: Prices vary widely depending on the event

Hobart is filled with free opportunities to experience nature, including parks, hiking trails, numerous beaches, and waterfront areas enjoyed by locals year‑round.

Monthly Budget Examples

We have included a summary below that gives you an example of what a monthly budget might look like for different lifestyles in Hobart (Single Person vs. A Small Family).

To give you an idea, here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like for people in Hobart:

Single Person (Moderate Lifestyle)

• Rent (1‑bedroom apartment): AUD 1,150–1,550
• Utilities and Internet: AUD 200–300
• Groceries: AUD 300–500
• Transport (public or shared car costs): AUD 100–150
• Eating Out and Leisure: AUD 150–250

Estimated Monthly Total: AUD 1,900–2,750

Couple or Small Family

• Rent (2–3 bedroom): AUD 1,550–2,200
• Utilities and Internet: AUD 300–400
• Groceries and Daily Needs: AUD 600–900
• Transport and Cars: AUD 150–300
• Eating Out and Activities: AUD 200–400

Estimated Monthly Total: AUD 2,800–4,200

These figures are grounded in real, everyday prices and reflect a comfortable but realistic lifestyle in Hobart.

Tips to Manage Your Cost of Living

Most importantly, however, managing your expenses in Hobart can be simple when you use any of the following Budgeting Strategies to help you make your money go further while still enjoying living in a metropolitan city like Hobart.

Here are some practical strategies to make your money go further in Hobart:

• Live in Shared Housing or outside of the CBD (Central Business District) to reduce your rental costs.
• Buy at the local Farmers’ Markets, and get fresh produce at prices lower than those at supermarkets.
• Use Public Transport or ride your Bike whenever possible; these save you on car-related costs.
• Prepare your meals at Home, and eat out only on special occasions.
• Choose local community activities to enjoy spending time with your family and friends without spending much money.

Hobart Compared to Other Australian Cities

Over the last couple of years, the cost of living in Hobart has increased substantially in one category in particular: rent. Although the cost of living was traditionally lower in Hobart than in both Sydney and Melbourne, this advantage has decreased. The major positive impact of moving to Hobart will be the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, a strong sense of community, and many other benefits associated with living there.

Read More: Cost of Living in Perth: A Complete Guide In 2026

Final Thoughts

Hobart’s growing population and high demand for housing have steadily pushed up living costs, making careful budgeting more important than ever. Housing remains the largest expense for most residents and continues to trend upward year over year. Fortunately, the majority of other essential costs (Groceries, Electricity, Public Transport, and Daily Living Expenses) are generally far less expensive to manage than in most larger Australian cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Lastly, the unique character of Hobart, its natural beauty, and its slower pace of life make it an excellent choice for all types of individuals/families (Single, Family, Student, etc.) looking to lead a relatively low-cost lifestyle without needing to spend a significant amount of money to keep up with other metropolitan areas in Australia.

You must carefully budget your finances to fully enjoy your life in Hobart. This includes selecting the correct neighbourhood, taking advantage of many local farmers’ markets, using public transportation, and carefully planning your meals. All of the activities available to you in your community (Be it an Outdoor Adventure or a Cultural Experience) are generally inexpensive (or free) and allow you to have the same quality of life you would experience in a large metropolitan area, but without having to spend as much money.

If you are thinking about moving to Hobart, consider the cost of your moving experience. You can ensure the swift and safe transportation of your goods by hiring experienced Hobart Removalists. You can trust professional removalists like Moving Champs to provide skilled, reassuring assistance as you move into your new home.