The real cost of living for chefs in Australia

For chefs looking to build a career in Australia, the promise of sunshine, opportunity, and strong salaries is compelling. But behind the appeal of higher wages lies a key question - how far does that money really go?

Australia’s hospitality industry offers some of the best working conditions in the world, with competitive pay, regulated hours, and clear workplace rights.

Yet living costs vary sharply between cities, and understanding day-to-day expenses is essential before you pack your knives. This guide breaks down what chefs can expect to spend on housing, food, transport, and essentials - and how to budget wisely no matter where in the country you work.

At a Glance

Average chef salary: AUD $65,000–$85,000
Most expensive city: Sydney
Most affordable capitals: Adelaide and Hobart
Average weekly rent: $450–$750
Average grocery cost (single chef): $120–$160 per week

Housing and Rent

Rent is a chef’s biggest monthly expense. Prices differ dramatically between cities, but the pattern is consistent: Sydney sits at the top, while Hobart and Adelaide remain the most affordable capitals.

• Sydney: One-bedroom flat $680–$750 per week; shared room $350–$450 per week.
• Melbourne: $600–$700 for a one-bedroom; $300–$420 shared.
• Brisbane: $520–$580 for a one-bedroom; $280–$380 shared.
• Perth: $500–$550 for a one-bedroom; $270–$350 shared.
• Adelaide: $450–$500 for a one-bedroom; $250–$320 shared.
• Hobart: $420–$470 for a one-bedroom; $240–$300 shared.

Regional towns can be 25–40 percent cheaper, and many chefs share accommodation to save on costs. Renting with colleagues or living slightly outside central areas can reduce expenses significantly.

Groceries and Dining

Australia’s grocery costs are among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region, but chefs often offset expenses with staff meals and supplier perks.

• Average weekly grocery spend (single adult): $120–$160
• Meat and seafood: 20–25% higher than the UK equivalent
• Fruit and vegetables: cheaper in summer months, higher in winter
• Milk, eggs, cheese: around $2–$6 each depending on brand

Dining out is a cultural norm — particularly weekend brunches and café breakfasts. Expect:
• Takeaway lunch: $12–$18
• Casual dinner: $25–$40
• Weekend brunch with coffee: $20–$30

Chefs who eat one staff meal daily can save roughly $3,000–$4,000 per year on groceries.

Utilities and Transport

Utilities in Australia are straightforward but vary by region and season.

Average monthly costs (single household):
• Electricity & gas: $120–$160
• Water: $40–$60
• Internet & mobile: $90–$120

Transport depends on location. Most chefs in inner cities rely on public transport for commutes, though late finishes often mean extra taxi or Uber fares.

Monthly transport estimate:
• Public transport pass: $160–$220
• Occasional rideshare/taxi: $80–$150

Tip: Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne use contactless “tap on/tap off” cards (Opal / Myki) — always register your card for fare caps and lost-card protection.

Everyday Essentials

Beyond rent and food, other living costs quickly add up.

Item | Average Monthly Cost (AUD) | Notes
Gym or fitness membership | $60–$100 | Often discounted via workplace partnerships
Healthcare | Free (public) + $50–$80 private | Medicare covers basics; private optional
Entertainment (movies, streaming, social) | $80–$150 | Streaming, dining, weekend activities
Clothing & footwear | $60–$100 | Seasonal; chefs often buy work gear separately

Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, covers essential services for citizens and permanent residents. Temporary visa holders should secure private health insurance to avoid unexpected bills.

Balancing Income and Expenses

With the average chef salary sitting between $65,000 and $85,000, take-home pay after tax is roughly $1,050–$1,250 per week. Add the 11% employer superannuation contribution - a long-term retirement saving not included in net pay.

Typical monthly spend for a single chef living in a capital city:

Category | Estimated Monthly Spend (AUD)
Rent (shared one-bed) | $1,600–$2,400
Groceries & dining | $600–$800
Utilities & transport | $400–$500
Essentials & entertainment | $300–$400
Total Monthly Spend | $2,900–$4,100

That means most chefs can expect to save modestly if they manage housing and transport costs carefully. Sharing accommodation, buying second-hand kitchen tools, using staff meals, and leveraging loyalty discounts all help stretch income further.

Tax data reference: Australian Taxation Office 2025 marginal rates and Wise currency comparison (A$1 = £0.48).

City-by-City Snapshot

City | Avg. Chef Salary | Avg. Weekly Rent | Avg. Monthly Cost | Lifestyle Summary
Sydney | $80,000 | $700 | $4,200 | High cost but best career prospects
Melbourne | $78,000 | $620 | $3,800 | Cultural hub, diverse dining
Brisbane | $70,000 | $550 | $3,400 | Growth market, warmer climate
Perth | $72,000 | $520 | $3,200 | Balanced lifestyle, access to produce
Adelaide | $68,000 | $480 | $3,000 | Affordable and close to wine regions
Hobart | $65,000 | $460 | $2,900 | Creative, small-scale food community

Final Thoughts

Australia offers exceptional opportunities for chefs - but lifestyle quality depends on smart budgeting. While rent and groceries can quickly eat into wages, structured planning and city choice make a huge difference.

Chefs who embrace shared housing, use staff perks, and explore regional or smaller capitals often enjoy the same high standard of living at a fraction of Sydney prices. With planning, a chef’s salary stretches far enough to balance comfort, savings, and Australia’s outdoor lifestyle.