Corporate DeskSign inSign up

Lifestyle

Australia — Living: Utilities

Relocating to Australia for utilities typically requires setting up electricity, gas (if connected), and water accounts, plus internet. Electricity and gas are usually chosen from competing retailers and billed quarterly; water is generally not choosable (fixed local authority) and, for renters, the landlord typically covers the fixed water supply charge while tenants pay usage. Costs and processes vary by state/territory.

VerifiedAggregated Australian utility-cost comparison sources (Finder, MyConnect, Econnex) for average electricity, gas, and water billsLast reviewed: 2026-08-31

Key facts

  • Electricity and gas are typically supplied by retailers you can choose between (varies by state); water is supplied by a single regional/local authority and is not a competitive choice.
  • Average electricity bills are roughly AUD 470-585 per quarter nationally, with notable state variation (e.g. South Australia and Western Australia tend to run higher, Victoria and the ACT somewhat lower).
  • Average gas bills for connected households are roughly AUD 210-230 per quarter.
  • Average water usage bills are roughly AUD 150 per quarter-ish period, though for renters the landlord usually pays the fixed water supply charge and the tenant pays usage.
  • Utilities are typically not included in rental agreements (aside from the fixed water supply charge in many states), so you'll need to set up electricity, gas, and often water usage accounts in your name.
  • Most utility providers in Australia offer online sign-up and account management.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Determine Your Utility Providers — Research and identify the utility providers that service your area, such as electricity, gas, and water companies.
  2. Step 2: Set Up Utility Accounts — Sign up for utility accounts online or by phone, providing required documents and information such as proof of identity and address.
  3. Step 3: Set Up Internet and TV Services — Research and set up internet and TV services with providers such as NBN, Telstra, or Optus.

Costs

  • Utility setup fees: varies by provider
  • Connection fees: varies by provider
  • Ongoing electricity bill: approx. AUD 470-585 per quarter on average nationally, varies by state and usage
  • Ongoing gas bill: approx. AUD 210-230 per quarter for connected households
  • Ongoing water usage bill: approx. AUD 150 per billing period on average, plus a fixed supply charge (often paid by the landlord if renting)

Timelines

  • Setting up utility accounts: typically 1-3 days

Required documents

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, etc.)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

Common mistakes

  • Not researching specific utility providers for your area
  • Not setting up utility accounts in your name

← Back to Australia guides