Is it cheaper to live in the USA or Australia?

Australia is modestly cheaper than the US on country averages: Australia sits at $3,125 per person per month for a moderate lifestyle, the US at $3,525, a gap of around $400 a month or 11 percent. The honest comparison breaks down at the metro level though. Sydney ($3,925) runs more expensive than every US average and matches Los Angeles ($5,050) only on housing per square foot. Melbourne ($3,425) tracks just below the US average. Brisbane ($3,200) and Perth ($3,225) come in cheaper than the US average and roughly match Texas ($3,200). Australia has universal public healthcare (Medicare), which removes a meaningful US household expense. Income tax sits higher in Australia (top rate 45 percent vs US federal 37 percent). For someone moving from a high-cost US metro, Australia is broadly cheaper; from a cheap US state, it is broadly similar or slightly more expensive. For the full breakdown, see our Australia cost of living page.