If you’re planning to live in Australia, it’s essential to know the supermarkets in Australia where you can buy more while spending less! As a student, sticking to a budget is crucial, as the last thing you want is to be short on cash by the end of the month.
To help you save, we’ll introduce the 6 best supermarkets in Australia for affordable shopping, focusing on product variety, quality, and budget-friendly prices. We’ll also share some GrowPro tips to help you reduce your monthly food expenses.
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6 Budget-Friendly Supermarkets in Australia
There are hundreds of supermarkets in Australia, so you’ll have plenty of options. However, some stores are better than others in terms of affordable shopping. Here are six supermarket recommendations for high-quality, fresh products at reasonable prices:
Aldi
Aldi is one of the most popular supermarkets in Australia among students and people with tight budgets. With over 500 stores nationwide, you can find high-quality products at low prices!
One thing to note is that Aldi offers a more limited range of brands than chains in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Most Aldi products are their own brands, so you can enjoy affordable prices.
Like other supermarkets, Aldi sells pork, lamb, beef, chicken, and seafood; however, the meats are usually frozen rather than fresh. Aldi also offers a great selection of fruits and vegetables, often cheaper than what you’d find at outdoor markets.
Coles
Coles is one of the largest and most popular supermarkets in Australia, especially known for its attractive prices! With around 2,500 stores across cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Coles offers a vast selection of products, especially Australian brands.
Coles is famous for selling fresh, sustainable products that meet the expectations of food lovers, including fresh meats, fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. This makes it an ideal place for health-conscious shoppers.
Additionally, Coles offers a rewards program called Flybuys, allowing customers to earn points redeemable for groceries, appliances, and even travel.
Woolworths
Woolworths is another well-known supermarket in Australia and a popular choice among many GrowPro customers. Woolworths offers a wide variety of brands, and over 90% of their fruits, vegetables, and meats are organic and sourced from Australian farms.
Although Woolworths may initially seem pricey, they offer discounts of up to 50% weekly, and prices for near-expiry products can drop by as much as 75%. This supermarket is a top choice if you’re focused on fitness and quality.
Costco
Costco is more than just a supermarket; it’s a giant department store with locations worldwide, including supermarkets in Australia. Here, you can buy bulk quantities of food, as well as appliances, clothing, and household items—all in one place.
While the bulk purchase option can save you money, keep in mind that Costco stores in Sydney, Melbourne, and other cities sell in large quantities. For instance, the minimum purchase for eggs is 30! We recommend shopping here if you have roommates or family members to share the costs.
IGA
Although IGA is not among the cheapest supermarkets in Australia, it offers high-quality local products like top-grade meats and vegetables. IGA also has weekly promotions, so shopping on the right day can help you save while getting excellent items.
Local Markets and Farmers Markets
For those looking to skip supermarkets in Australia, visiting local markets is a great alternative! These markets sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and often meats from local producers at more affordable prices. You can also find flowers, clothes, furniture, cheeses, and more.
Bondi Farmers Market, for instance, is an alternative to supermarkets in Sydney. It opens every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and sells seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic meats, herbs, spices, and artisanal cheeses.
If you’re in Victoria, you might try South Melbourne Market as an alternative to supermarkets in Melbourne. This market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and has over 150 stalls offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more.
Additional local markets worth visiting:
- Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide.
- Prahran Market, Melbourne.
- Jan Powers Farmers Market, Brisbane.
- Surry Hills Market, Sydney.
- Burleigh Farmers Market, Gold Coast.
- The Rocks Market, Sydney.
Money-Saving Tips for Living in Australia
Living in Australia can be costly. However, remember that it’s possible to study and work here (your earnings can cover some of your expenses!) and that good financial planning can help you save. Here are a few money-saving tips:
- Shop on the right days. Many supermarkets in Australia lower their prices in the morning, in the evening, or on Fridays.
- Avoid eating out too often. If you do, look for restaurants offering student discounts or promotional menus.
- Compare prices at different stores. Don’t buy at the first store you visit—try comparing prices across supermarkets in Australia.
- Get a roommate. Sharing your living costs, including food, rent, and utilities, can save you a good amount each month.
The cost of living in Australia might seem expensive, but with the right approach, it’s manageable.
Study and Work in Australia with GrowPro Experiences!
If your goal is to study and work in Australia, you’re in the right place! At GrowPro, we can help you plan your trip and ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Australia.
Simply choose your experience, and we’ll guide you in selecting the perfect city and school. Then, we’ll handle your student visa application on your behalf.
Ready to learn more? Fill out the form below with your information. We’ll contact you within a couple of days to provide free advice—ask as many questions as you need!
Now that you know where the best supermarkets in Australia are, start budgeting and book your flight to the land of kangaroos! See you soon, future Grower.
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