A single split system typically costs $1,500 to $5,000 supplied and installed in Australia, and ducted reverse cycle $9,000 to $15,000. The cost of air conditioning depends on your home more than on the system you pick: two houses in the same street can get quotes thousands of dollars apart for the same model.
Here are indicative ranges to plan around, followed by what actually moves the number.
How much does each type of system cost?
| System | Indicative cost, supplied and installed unless noted |
|---|---|
| Single split system | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Multi-split system | Around $7,700 for a whole home |
| Ducted reverse cycle | $9,000 to $15,000, more for large or complex homes |
| Ducted evaporative | From around $5,000 |
| Window or wall unit | $600 to $1,200 for the unit, plus installation |
| Portable air conditioner | $300 to $1,100 (no installation) |
These are indicative ranges, last reviewed in October 2026. They are a planning guide, not a quote. Get quotes for your own home before you budget.
A useful reference point: a multi-split covering a few rooms costs about the same as the equivalent number of separate split systems.
Where you land in a range Capacity moves the price most. A bedroom-size split (about 2kW to 3.5kW) sits toward the low end of $1,500 to $5,000, a large living-area unit (6kW to 9kW) toward the top. For ducted, a smaller single-storey home with a few zones sits toward the low end, and a large or two-storey home toward the top or beyond.
What makes air conditioning cost more?
Capacity A 9kW unit costs more than a 2.5kW unit. This is the largest single factor within a system type.
Brand and model tier Premium brands cost more. Within a brand, the difference between an entry model and a flagship is often features rather than performance: Wi-Fi control, air purification, quieter operation, better styling.
Distance between indoor and outdoor units Longer pipe runs mean more materials and labour, and sometimes a larger refrigerant charge.
Difficult access Two-storey homes, tight roof spaces, restricted side access and units that need to go on a roof all add labour.
Electrical work If your switchboard needs upgrading or a new circuit is needed, that is a separate cost. It is one of the most common reasons a quote comes in higher than expected. Ask about it up front.
Number of zones (ducted) More zones means more dampers, more control gear and more ductwork.
Mounting the outdoor unit A concrete slab costs more than wall brackets, but brackets transmit more vibration and noise into the building. Worth the extra if the unit is near a bedroom.
Extras Wireless or app controllers, additional outlets, condensate pumps, and making good after installation.
Removing the old system Refrigerant must be recovered by a licensed technician. Check whether removal and disposal are included.
Location Regional and remote installations often carry travel charges, and labour rates vary between cities.
How can I bring the price down?
Government discounts Depending on your state, you may be able to get a substantial upfront discount on a new reverse cycle system, particularly if you are replacing gas heating. In Victoria the discount can reach several thousand dollars. These are applied by an accredited provider as a discount in your quote, not claimed afterwards.
See what is available in your state, or search the Australian Government’s rebates and assistance finder.
Replacing like for like If you are replacing a unit in the same position and the existing electrical circuit can be reused, that saves time and materials. Note that manufacturers’ warranties generally require the refrigerant pipework to be replaced rather than reused.
Improving the house first Insulating the ceiling or shading west-facing windows can let you install a smaller system. Sometimes the fabric improvement costs less than the extra capacity would have.
Comparing quotes The same system from different installers can vary by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
When is the best time to buy an air conditioner?
Out of season. Demand and lead times peak in the first hot weeks of summer. Quotes are often better, and installers more available, in autumn and spring.
Getting quotes you can actually compare
A cheap quote is not a good quote if it leaves things out. Check each one covers:
- The exact model numbers, indoor and outdoor
- The price of the unit and the price of the installation, listed separately
- Capacity in kW, for both heating and cooling
- All electrical work, including any switchboard upgrade
- Mounting of the outdoor unit, and how
- Condensate drainage
- For ducted: number of zones, duct sealing, dampers, duct insulation R-value
- Commissioning and warranty registration
- Removal, refrigerant recovery and disposal of the old system
- Making good afterwards
- What could add to the price once work starts
If one quote is dramatically cheaper than the others, find out what is missing before you assume it is a bargain.
Do not forget running costs
The purchase price is one part of what a system costs you. Over ten to fifteen years, running costs usually add up to more. A slightly more efficient system at a slightly higher price is often the cheaper option overall.