Moving to Hobart? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest capital, was first founded by the British as a penal colony in 1804. It is the capital of Tasmania and is known for its restaurants and food culture, art, natural beauty and historic sites.

If you are considering moving to Hobart, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved if you decide to move to the capital of Tassie.

Quick Hobart Facts:

Population: 247,068 (2021 estimate).
Official Language: English (de facto) with many more languages being spoken, including Mandarin, Nepalese, Greek, Italian, Filipino, Hindi, Spanish, Korean and many others.
GDP Per Capita: $44,752 USD (2022)
Tulips: Holland imports tulip bulbs from Tasmania
Currency: Australian Dollar ($, AUD). As of 2024, £1 = $1.94 AUD, $1 USD = $1.46 AUD, €1 EUR = $1.62 AUD, $1 CAD = $1.08 AUD.

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Hobart

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest global cities, and shipping it to Hobart:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$3,350 - $3,450	$6,200 - $6,400
Berlin	$2,850 - $2,950	$5,200 - $5,400
Chicago	$2,600 - $2,700	$4,700 - $4,900
Chongqing	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Delhi	$3,100 - $3,200	$5,700 - $5,900
Dubai	$3,400 - $3,500	$6,300 - $6,500
Houston	$2,750 - $2,850	$5,000 - $5,200
Los Angeles	$2,550 - $2,650	$4,600 - $4,800
Madrid	$2,900 - $3,000	$5,300 - $5,500
New York City	$2,500 - $2,600	$4,500 - $4,700
Paris	$2,950 - $3,050	$5,400 - $5,600
Phoenix	$2,650 - $2,750	$4,800 - $5,000
Rome	$2,900 - $3,000	$5,300 - $5,500
Shanghai	$3,200 - $3,300	$5,900 - $6,100
Sydney	$3,450 - $3,550	$6,400 - $6,600
Toronto	$2,700 - $2,800	$4,900 - $5,100
Vancouver	$2,750 - $2,850	$5,000 - $5,200
Vienna	$3,000 - $3,100	$5,500 - $5,700

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (September 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Hobart Housing Costs

Housing in Hobart is very affordable compared with all the other major cities in Australia. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Hobart:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: A$1,325+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: A$1,180+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: A$2,000+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: A$1,880+

Hobart Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: A$9,460+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: A$6,780+

Hobart Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Hobart compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 64% more expensive
New York is 75.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 66.4% more expensive
Sydney is 56.4% more expensive
Melbourne is 38.4% more expensive
Toronto is 48.8% more expensive
Paris is 43.8% more expensive
Dubai is 48.6% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Hobart has a variety of properties which can be shared. The majority of these are houses. With a house share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect roommate – Flatmates, Gumtree, and Real Estate.
Different Areas – Different Prices: There’s a large variety of housing in Hobart, from modern properties to grand old mansions. Most of the areas have wonderful views, even at the cheaper end of the market. In 2014, The Top 100 Suburbs for Family Living included 9 Hobart suburbs, including the number one spot which went to Kingston. A full list can be found in the ‘Moving to Hobart with a Family’ section below. Other desirable suburbs are listed here, starting with the most expensive – Sandy Bay, Tranmere, Acton Park, West Hobart, Hobart City, Taroona, Mount Stuart, Rose Bay, Dynnryne and New Town.

3. Hobart Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Hobart has a good array of restaurants and food shops.

Inexpensive Restaurant: A$25.00 – A$30.00
Takeout Coffee: A$5.10 – A$5.80
Bottle of Coke: A$3.50- A$4.00
1L of Milk: A$2.00 – A$2.30
Loaf of Bread: A$3.20 – A$3.44
12 Eggs: A$5.00 – A$5.95
1kg Chicken: A$9.70 – A$15.00
1kg Beef: A$18.00 – A$19.00
1kg Apples: A$4.20 – A$5.00
1kg White Rice: A$1.80– A$3.00

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

New York restaurants are 32.3% more expensive and groceries are 36.7% more expensive than Hobart.
Los Angeles restaurants are 25.2% cheaper and groceries are 17.2% more expensive than Hobart.
London restaurants are 16.3% more expensive and groceries are 12.8% cheaper than Hobart.
Sydney restaurants are 12.8% more expensive and groceries are 19.4% more expensive than Hobart.
Melbourne restaurants are 9.4% more expensive and groceries are 20.2% more expensive than Hobart.
Toronto restaurants are 8.8% more expensive and groceries are 6.1% cheaper than Hobart.
Paris restaurants are 3.9% more expensive and groceries are 16.7% more expensive than Hobart.
Dubai restaurants are 5% more expensive and groceries are 29.3% cheaper than Hobart.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Coles, Woolworths and Harris Farm Markets are the major supermarket chains in Hobart. There are some good health shops around the city, selling organic and whole foods. There are also some good independent old-fashioned grocers that sell excellent produce. There are many good farmers’ markets, the most well-known is Salamanca, which takes place every Saturday.
Find Cheap Eats: Australia, Trip Advisor – Bellerive, Trip Advisor, Delicious and The Happiest Hour all have their own guides to cheap eats in Hobart which include everything from pizzas to fine dining.

4. Hobart Alcohol Costs

There are bars, pubs and clubs to suit everyone’s taste and pocket.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: A$9.00 – A$10.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: A$10.00– A$11.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: A$6.60 – A$7.00
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: A$6.50 – A$7.50
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: A$14.00 – A$15.00

How To Drink For Less in Hobart:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials.
There are many pubs, bars and clubs that offer specials every day. Have a look at the following sites to find one which takes your fancy – The Happiest Hour, Yelp, True Local and Trip Advisor.
Scour the areas around the universities to find the best alcohol deals.

5. Hobart Transportation Fares

Hobart’s transportation system consists of buses run by Metrotas. The system runs efficiently and isn’t hindered by the usual traffic build-up in major cities.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – A$3.20
A one-day ticket for all transport (travel after 9.00 a.m.) – A$9.20
Monthly season ticket for bus, light rail, ferry and train – A$91.45

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a Greencard for discounted tickets
Buy a bike. Hobart is cycle friendly city with dedicated cycle lanes.
Walk. If you live close to where you work, then walking is certainly an option.

6. Cost of Internet in Hobart

The Tasmanian Government and Telstra offer everyone in Tasmania 30 minutes of free internet every day. There are almost 30 hotspots in Hobart where you can connect.

Internet in Australia is expensive. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023, based on a 24-month contract:

Dodo: A$55.00 a month for 15Mbps
Telstra: A$80.00 a month for 25Mbps
Optus: A$80.00 a month for unlimited data

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Hobart enjoys a mild, temperate climate, with four very distinct seasons. January is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 21°C. Winter’s coldest month is July, with an average temperature of 11°C. Spring is the wettest season with an average of 169mm of rain falling.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: A$100.00 – A$110.00
Summer Dress: A$55.00 – A$90.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): A$105.00 – A$150.00
Business Shoes: A$200.00 – A$250.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): A$70.00
Deodorant: A$5.00
Shampoo: A$6.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): A$3.50
Gym membership: A$25 – A$88 per month
Movie (cinema) ticket: A$14 – A$18.50

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Hobart

Everyone in Australia drives on the left. Most people choose to drive in Hobart but the traffic is still light compared with most cities around the globe.

If you’re moving to Hobart from within Australia, you’ll be able to use your existing license for three months and then you will need to get a Tasmanian Licence.

If you are relocating to Hobart from another country, you can drive on your overseas licence – there are a few exceptions. If you do need to convert to a Tasmanian Licence you may need to take a written test and a driving test before you can be issued a license. This depends on a number of factors such as how long you have been driving and the nationality of your license.

You can also get an International Driving Permit before you leave your home country and this will allow you to drive in Australia for 12 months.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Hobart:

Volkswagen Golf: A$28,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): A$1.96
Motor Vehicle Duty: The cost is calculated on the value of the vehicle
Other Fees (if any): A Vehicle Licence Fee is payable and is calculated on the weight of the vehicle

Source: Expatistan, Transport Tasmania

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Hobart:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld and Gumtree.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.

9. Taxes in Hobart

No matter where you live in Australia, you will pay the same rate of tax. To learn more about the different taxes in Australia, go to the Australian Taxation Office.

Sales Tax in Australia is 10% and is added to most goods and services throughout the country. Unlike in some countries, it is always included in the marked price.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to the payment of rates based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about rates in Hobart at the City of Hobart.

If you decide to buy a flat or house in Hobart you’ll have to pay stamp duty.

10. Flight Costs from Hobart

If you do make the move to Hobart, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

New York: A$1,200
Los Angeles: A$1,900
Toronto: A$2,800
Vancouver: A$1,030
Dubai: A$1,500
London: A$1,300
Sydney: A$86
Melbourne: A$60
Cape Town: A$1,100
Hong Kong: A$960

Other Tips on Moving to Hobart:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Hobart but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Hobart Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Hobart.

Meetups: Hobart has lots of free Meetup groups you can join. Find groups such as Tassie Adventure, Hobart Property Investors, Hobart Book Club, Toastmasters and many more.
Attend Local Events: There’s always a lot going on in Hobart. Find out what’s going on from Event Finda, Hobart and Beyond, The Mercury and The City of Hobart.

12. Moving to Hobart with a Family

Hobart has a lot to offer families. It has good schools and universities, a wide selection of neighbourhoods which are family-friendly, plus the beach, parks, countryside and mountains, good food and restaurants.

New Parents (or parents to be): Check out The Royal Hobart Hospital.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: In 2014, The Top 100 Suburbs for Family Living in Australia, listed 9 Hobart suburbs. The number one spot went to Kingston which has excellent schools and is close to the beach and parks. Other family-friendly areas which won a place on this prestigious list were Lauderdale (3rd), Lenah Valley (11th), Sandy Bay (14th), Claremont (24th), Lindisfarne (26th), Geilston Bay (30th), Blackmans Bay (92nd) and South Arm (100th). All these areas were judged on house prices and suitability for families, healthcare, schools, childcare, retail and proximity to green spaces and recreational activities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Where’s Sharon, Family Globetrotters and Family Days Out all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Hobart for Work

People move to Hobart for work, to join family or for a change of lifestyle. If you want to work in Australia, you need to ensure you have the right visa. Visa conditions have recently changed, making it more difficult for people to live and work in Australia.

The majority of jobs in Hobart are in public administration and safety, closely followed by healthcare and social assistance. Other employment sectors include education, retail, professional, scientific and technical service, hospitality and tourism.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Hobart, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Seek, Jora and The Job Factory. You may also want to google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Hobart from the United Kingdom

Hobart has its fair share of Brits. Many have been there for generations and many arrive every year in the hope of finding a new life downunder. If you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Hobart with a city in the UK, you would be looking at Oldham.
Join Expat Groups: Internations offers ways of meeting up with other Brits in Hobart.

15. Moving to Hobart from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Hobart. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you compare the size of the population of Hobart with a city in Canada, then you would be looking at Regina.
Expat Groups: If you want to find fellow Canadians in Hobart, have a look at Internations.

16. Moving to Hobart from the United States

There’s a small group of Americans living in Hobart. If you’re considering making the move from the States to Hobart, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Hobart with a city in the States, you would be looking at Richmond, Virginia.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Americans who have been living in Hobart for a while can greatly assist the integration process. Sites such as Internations will help you connect with people from back home.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Hobart you can start by comparing moving quotes here.