Queen Victoria Market Melbourne — food and dining in Australia

Photo: Google Maps

Cost of Food in Australia

Daily food budget: $22–$50 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.

Budget

$22

per person/day

Mid-range

$50

per person/day

Luxury

$120

per person/day

What Meals Cost

Meat pie$5-7
Cafe brunch$15-25
Pub meal$18-28
Mid-range dinner$30-50
Fine dining$80-180

Money-Saving Food Tips

  • Cook at hostels using supermarket groceries to save 50% on food costs.

Dining in Australia

Eating well in Australia doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:

  • Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
  • Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
  • Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
  • Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
  • Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.