Field Note Nº 002 · Money
What living in Adelaide really costs me
Before I moved, I watched every "cost of living in Australia" video on the internet. Most of them were either too rosy or designed to scare you. So here's the version I wish I'd found: what my life in Adelaide actually costs, category by category, with the honest commentary included. Quick note before the numbers — these are my rough figures from my own life, they shift with inflation and your lifestyle, so treat them as a feel, not a quote.
01. Rent — the big one
This is where most of your money goes, simple as that. A room in a decent share house sits somewhere in the hundreds per week, and a whole unit to yourself costs a lot more. My first year, I shared — and honestly, I recommend it even if you can afford more. You learn the suburbs, you make friends, and you don't lock yourself into a lease in an area you'll dislike in three months. Adelaide is noticeably kinder on rent than Sydney or Melbourne, which is one of the quiet reasons I love it.
02. Groceries — where desi smarts win
My weekly shop is a strategic operation: the big supermarkets for basics (their home brands are genuinely fine), the Central Market or a local fruit shop near closing time for produce, and the Indian grocery store for atta, dal and masalas in bulk. Cooking at home is the single biggest money-saver in Australia. The week I ate out "just a few times", my food spend nearly doubled. Nearly. Doubled.
03. Transport
Adelaide is wonderfully compact. I survived my whole first year on a metroCARD and my own two legs. If you're a student, concession fares make it even lighter. A car is freedom here — the road trips on my channel exist because of one — but between rego, insurance, fuel and servicing, it's a real monthly commitment. Get one when your life needs it, not in week two.
04. The sneaky ones
- Phone + internet: prepaid plans are competitive — shop around, the big names aren't always the best value.
- Eating out: a casual meal out isn't crazy, but it adds up fast. My rule: restaurants are for celebrations, not for Tuesdays.
- Coffee: Australia's cafe culture is a beautiful trap. One flat white a day quietly becomes a serious annual amount. I did that maths once and switched to making chai at home. Mostly.
- Sending money home / flights to India: budget for these from day one. That Diwali trip home is non-negotiable, trust me.
05. So… is it manageable?
Yes — with a plan. My first months were tight and a little scary, and that's normal. Once I had steady work and learned the local tricks (share housing, home cooking, op shops for furniture, free beaches for entertainment), Adelaide became genuinely comfortable. It's one of those cities where a normal income buys you a good life — and that's exactly why my "base camp" is here.
Personal experience only — prices change constantly, so double-check current rents and fares before making plans.
count the dollars, enjoy the sunsets — Anand 🌅