Discover car prices across Australian states in 2025. Compare new and used costs, stamp duty, registration fees, and more to find the cheapest place to buy a car. Save thousands with our state-by-state guide.
Introduction
Australians spend an average of $37,362 on a new car, but that figure jumps to $39,730 in Queensland and drops to $33,520 in Tasmania. With rising fuel costs and economic pressures in 2025, understanding car prices across Australian states has never been more critical. Interstate differences in stamp duty, registration, and market trends can add thousands to your purchase. This guide breaks down new and used car prices Australia-wide, highlights the cheapest state to buy a car Australia, and offers tips for savvy buyers. Whether eyeing a new SUV or a used ute, you’ll uncover where to save on vehicle purchase costs Australia.
New Car Prices Australia Comparison: State-by-State Breakdown
New car prices Australia vary due to regional demand, dealer incentives, and transport logistics. In 2025, the national average sits at $37,362, up slightly from prior years amid stabilizing supply chains. However, state differences persist, driven by competition and inventory levels.
Tasmania leads as the cheapest state to buy a car Australia, with an average of $33,520. Lower demand and fewer urban markups keep prices down, making it ideal for budget buyers. South Australia follows closely at $36,233, benefiting from strong local dealer networks and incentives on models like the Toyota RAV4.
New South Wales averages $36,687, offering competitive deals in Sydney where high volume drives discounts. Victoria edges higher at $37,346, reflecting Melbourne’s premium market for luxury imports. Western Australia hits $37,647, impacted by freight costs from eastern ports, while Queensland tops the list at $39,730—blame it on booming regional demand for utes like the Ford Ranger.
These figures exclude on-road costs, which we’ll cover next. For 2025, Cox Automotive forecasts a 1.18 million new car sales, down from 2024’s record, pushing dealers to offer more rebates. If you’re comparing car prices NSW vs VIC vs QLD, NSW often wins for urban buyers, but Tasmania shines for overall affordability.
Practical tip: Use online tools like carsales.com.au to scout interstate listings. In a softening market, negotiate 5-10% off list price, especially on hybrids where federal incentives apply.
Used Car Prices by State Australia: Trends and Savings Opportunities
The used car market in 2025 favors buyers, with prices dropping 5-10% year-on-year as ex-fleet vehicles flood auctions. National averages hover at $10,000-$25,000, but regional gaps create arbitrage plays.
Victoria emerges as the best state to buy used car Australia, with Melbourne’s high turnover yielding averages 8% below national norms—think $22,000 for a 2022 Toyota Corolla. Queensland follows, where Brisbane dealers undercut rivals by 5% to clear stock, averaging $23,664 for popular models like the Mazda 3.
New South Wales sees steady pricing at $24,500 for mid-size sedans, buoyed by Sydney’s volume but softened by online competition. Western Australia lags at $26,000, due to isolation hiking import fees. Tasmania again proves cheapest overall, with Hobart listings 12% under average—perfect for $20,445 Hyundai i30s.
Australian car market regional differences stem from supply: Eastern states benefit from denser dealer networks, while remote areas face logistics premiums. Used car prices by state Australia dipped in H1 2025, per AutoGrab data, with 339,742 listings pushing days-on-market to 44.6.
For interstate car price differences Australia, factor transport: Shipping a ute from VIC to WA costs $1,500 but saves $2,000 on purchase. Trends show EVs depreciating faster—BYD Atto 3s now $35,000 used—offering eco-savers. Always get a pre-purchase inspection to avoid hidden costs.
Hidden Costs: Stamp Duty on Cars by State and Registration Fees
Beyond sticker prices, vehicle purchase costs Australia hinge on taxes and fees. Stamp duty on cars by state can swing totals by $1,000-$5,000, calculated on dutiable value (purchase price or market value, whichever higher).
Queensland charges $3-$6 per $100 based on cylinders—$900 for a $30,000 four-cylinder sedan. New South Wales is flat at $3 per $100 up to $45,000 ($900 example), then $5 per $100—making it cheaper for mid-range buys. Victoria tiers at $8.40 per $200 up to $71,849 ($1,260), rising for pricier models. Western Australia starts low at 2.75% up to $25,000 ($688) but hits 6.5% over $50,000, deterring luxury seekers.
South Australia mirrors NSW at $4 per $100 ($1,200), while Tasmania’s $3 per $100 up to $35,000 ($900) keeps it affordable. The ACT blends price and emissions, waiving for EVs under $78,000. Northern Territory caps at 3% for heavy vehicles ($900 max).
Car registration costs Australia add $500-$1,000 yearly. NSW: $82 fee + $270-$1,481 tax by weight ($462 for a 1,355kg Corolla). Victoria: $780-$906 by zone. Queensland: $716-$1,370 by cylinders. National average: $700, per Mozo 2025 data.
Luxury car tax Australia kicks in at $80,567 (or $91,387 for fuel-efficient under 3.5L/100km from July 2025), adding 33% on excess—$3,700 on an $85,000 BMW. Exemptions apply for commercial use.
To minimize, buy in low-duty states like TAS or NSW, and time for EV rebates.
Cost of Car Ownership by State: Fuel, Maintenance, and Beyond
Annual car ownership costs hit $23,389 nationally in 2025, per AAA—$430 weekly including fuel ($95), insurance ($62), and depreciation. State variances amplify this.
Sydney households face $2,187 yearly on rego/insurance/tolls, highest due to urban premiums. Perth follows at $2,025, with fuel edging higher from isolation. Melbourne: $1,910; Brisbane: $1,731; Adelaide: $1,650. Tasmania: Lowest at $1,500, thanks to compact roads and lower fuel excise.
Car depreciation Australia averages 15-20% yearly, faster for EVs (25%) amid battery tech advances. Maintenance: $500-$1,000 routine, plus $1,859 servicing/tyres. Fuel: $1,500 at 182cpl average.
Cost of car ownership by state rises in remote areas—WA adds $500 freight for parts. Hybrids cut fuel 30%, per RACV. Budget 15-20% of income for total costs.
Buying a Car Interstate Australia: Pros, Cons, and Logistics
Interstate buying saves 5-15% amid Australian car market regional differences, but logistics matter. Cheapest place to buy a car in Australia? Tasmania for new/used, VIC for volume deals.
Pros: Wider selection, lower prices (e.g., $2,000 savings shipping QLD ute to NSW). Cons: $1,000-$2,000 transport, plus transferring car registration interstate ($200-$500 fees).
Steps: Verify VIN, inspect remotely, arrange enclosed transport via MTAG. Pay stamp duty in destination state—QLD buyers avoid WA’s high rates. Use apps like PriceMyCar for quotes.
In 2025, with 1.18M sales forecast, interstate deals proliferate. Where to buy a car cheaper in Australia: Cross borders for utes in QLD, EVs in VIC.
Conclusion
In 2025, Tasmania offers the edge as the cheapest state to buy a car Australia, blending low new prices ($33,520 average) with minimal duties. Factor state-by-state car pricing Australia for full savings—NSW for balanced costs, avoid QLD for premiums. With used markets cooling and incentives rising, now’s prime time to shop smart. Calculate your total via ATO tools, negotiate fiercely, and drive away richer. Ready to hunt deals? Start with a cross-state search today.
