Australians often complain that we seem to pay for Apple products when compared to other parts of the world. The problem is that it’s not easy to do direct comparisons with other countries. There are different tax, import cost regimes and tariffs to consider. One report suggests Australians don’t have it too bad. So, where is the most expensive place to buy an iPhone?
It turns out Australians are paying almost exactly the same as our friends in the USA. The only country that is cheaper than the USA is South Korea. That’s according to data from Deutsche Bank and Visual Capitalist.
Europeans seem to pay the highest prices as they are lumbered with value added taxes and Apple’s currency hedging strategy. iPhone buyers in Türkiye get slugged with a further 50% luxury goods tax which brings the price of an iPhone 16 Pro to USD$2182. That’s more than double what we pay in Australia and making it the most expensive place to buy an iPhone.
It’s worth noting that prices vary between states in the USA as well. Some states, like Louisiana and Tennesee have state and local taxes tat can add as much as 10% to the cost of goods. In contrast Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon don’t charge any state of local taxes on goods.
The sticker price in Australia includes the nationally mandated GST. That means the sticker price is the real price. Other jurisdictions are less transparent. And, so far, it seems that US tariffs aren’t having a major impact on prices on Apple products.
If you’re thinking of buying an iPhone while on holidays, be aware that you may not be getting the best deal possible.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.