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Adelaide, Australia
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,650
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
72.8
Healthcare
85 facilities

Adelaide sprawls across the Adelaide Plains, stretching from Gawler to Sellicks Beach. The city center is ringed by parklands, giving it a relaxed, open feel. But don’t let the greenery fool you—this is a sprawling metro area with over 430 suburbs. Getting around requires a car or patience with public transit.

The city punches above its weight culturally, hosting the Adelaide Fringe, the world’s second-largest arts festival. But daily life here is more about practicality than spectacle. The Gulf St Vincent provides a coastal escape, while the Mount Lofty Ranges offer hiking trails. Adelaide works best for those who want a slower pace than Sydney or Melbourne but still crave urban amenities.

Can I afford Adelaide?

$

Adelaide

You could save

350/mo

Savings Rate12%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,400
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,250

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
12/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Australia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
73
Safety
85
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$9

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$18
Meal (Mid-range) $116
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $198
Mobile Plan (mo) $26
Gym (mo) *$47
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,400
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,200
3BR Center (mo) $2,500
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,906

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
North Adelaide, Unley, Burnside
Best For
families, retirees

Expat Life Notes

A world-class city for quality of life. Adelaide is safe, clean, and much more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne.

Pros

  • ✓ High safety
  • ✓ Vibrant wine and food culture
  • ✓ Affordable luxury

Cons

  • ✗ Smaller job market
  • ✗ Quiet on weeknights
  • ✗ Isolation from major east coast hubs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
8°C°C - 29°C°C
Annual Rainfall
727 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, Sep, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Devonport, AustraliaLiving in Devonport, Australia: affordable Tasmania port town with low costs and ferry access—ideal for remote workers and retirees.Adelaide Hills, AustraliaLiving in Adelaide Hills, Australia blends German heritage with vineyard living. Lower costs than Adelaide but prepare for foggy winters and limited transit optGenk, BelgiumLiving in Genk, Belgium offers industrial job access and low rents, but limited expat infrastructure. Ideal for budget-focused workers in Limburg province.Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, AustriaLiving in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria offers Alpine lakes and university town energy at lower costs than Vienna. Ideal for German-speaking early retirees

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Adelaide

Click any question to expand the answer.

Adelaide has a population of approximately 1,245,011 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,500 per month in Adelaide, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1400/month.

The nearest airport to Adelaide is ADL, approximately 6km away.

Adelaide is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 72.8. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Adelaide is ideal for expats seeking affordability and a slower pace. It’s less hectic than Sydney or Melbourne but still offers cultural events and outdoor activities.

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