Grocery Shopping vs. Dining Out
For many Australians, managing the cost of food is a balance between cooking at home and enjoying the country's vibrant cafe and restaurant culture. Data from early to mid-2025 shows rising food costs are a concern for many. For example, Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker indicated that Aussies were spending an average of A$204 per week on groceries in early 2025, a figure that varies significantly by household size and location. In contrast, eating out, while a convenient treat, is a much larger expense.
While home-cooked meals offer the most control over cost, the average meal cost in Australia for those dining out is subject to a wide range of factors, including the type of venue, location, and the inclusion of beverages. From a quick bite at a food court to a three-course fine dining experience, prices fluctuate dramatically, and being aware of these differences is key for effective budgeting.
Average Meal Costs by Dining Type
Your average meal cost will depend entirely on your dining preferences. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay across different types of establishments.
Budget-Friendly Meals For those looking to eat on the cheap, Australia offers a variety of affordable options:
- Food Courts: Located in shopping centres, food courts are a hub for quick, multicultural meals. You can often find dishes like a large bowl of pho, laksa, or a stir fry for under A$15.
- Pub Specials: Many local pubs, or 'hotels' as they are often called, offer daily lunch and dinner specials. These can range from a A$12 chicken parmigiana to a A$15 burger with chips.
- Takeaway & Fast Food: A combo meal from a major fast-food chain typically costs around A$15. Other takeaway favourites like a classic Aussie meat pie can be found for about A$6.
Mid-Range Dining For a more substantial meal at a cafe or casual restaurant, expect to pay more:
- Cafe Lunch: A lunch at a cafe, which might include a sandwich, pasta, or salad, usually costs between A$20 and A$35 per person. Add a coffee, which runs around A$5, and the price increases.
- Restaurant Dinner: For a main course at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between A$30 and A$45. It's important to remember that this usually does not include drinks or side dishes.
Fine Dining and Special Occasions At the top end of the dining scale, prices rise significantly:
- High-End Restaurants: A main course can easily cost between A$60 and A$120 or more. Many fine dining establishments offer expensive degustation menus, sometimes exceeding A$300 per person, excluding drinks.
- Alcohol Costs: It is a key budget factor that alcohol in Australia is heavily taxed and can significantly inflate a meal's price. Many casual restaurants allow 'BYO' (Bring Your Own) wine, often for a small corkage fee, which is a great money-saving tip.
Cost Comparison: Eating In vs. Eating Out
Here is a comparison of typical meal costs for an individual, showing the stark difference between preparing meals at home and dining out.
| Meal Type | Average Cost (AUD) per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (Home Cooked) | ~$154 per week (single) | Includes all food, not per meal. Varies greatly with diet. |
| Budget Eat-Out | $10-$15 | Food court, street food, pub special. |
| Casual Cafe Lunch | $20-$35 | A la carte lunch menu. |
| Mid-Range Dinner | $30-$45+ | Main course only; drinks and sides extra. |
| Fine Dining Main | $60-$120+ | High-end restaurant main course. |
Regional Price Variations
The cost of an average meal in Australia is also heavily influenced by location. Major metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are consistently more expensive for both groceries and dining out than smaller towns or regional centres. For example, data suggests a notable difference in average weekly grocery bills across states. This applies to restaurant pricing as well, with equivalent meals costing less in regional hubs like Adelaide compared to Sydney.
How to Save on Your Food Budget
- Cook at Home: The most obvious way to save is to cook your own meals, especially if staying in a hostel or apartment with kitchen facilities.
- Shop Smarter: Utilise weekly supermarket specials, switch to own-brand products, and consider discount supermarkets like Aldi to reduce your grocery bill.
- Find Pub and RSL Club Specials: Many pubs and RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs offer high-value, affordable meals, particularly during the week.
- Explore Food Courts and Markets: Food courts offer cheap and varied cuisine options. Check out local food markets for fresh produce and cheap street eats.
- Utilise BYO Restaurants: Some restaurants allow you to 'Bring Your Own' alcoholic beverages for a small corkage fee, saving a lot on drinks. For more budget travel tips, Lonely Planet provides great advice.
Conclusion
So, how much is an average meal in Australia? It truly depends on your definition of 'average'. A rough estimate for a budget-conscious traveller aiming for a mix of dining options might be around A$35-A$50 per day, allowing for a few meals out and some home-cooking. For those solely relying on dining out, costs can easily double or triple. Savvy travellers and locals alike manage costs by balancing affordable options like pub meals and food courts with home-cooked dishes, keeping special occasions for the pricier experiences.
