Radio advertising continues to be a popular and effective marketing channel in Australia, with prices influenced by factors such as station popularity, time slots, location, and ad length. Recent information reveals that radio ad costs vary considerably between major cities and regional areas, as well as across different times of the day.
On average, a 30-second radio ad slot in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne costs between $300 and $450 per spot. Stations such as 2GB and KiisFM in Sydney typically charge around $425 to $450, while similar slots on Melbourne stations like 3AW range from $400 to $450. In smaller cities or regional stations, the cost can be significantly lower, ranging between $100 to $300 per 30-second spot.
Prime time slots, including morning and evening drives, are more expensive due to higher listener numbers, while midweek days also tend to see higher rates. Regional radio advertising offers a more cost-effective option, with monthly budgets as low as $2,000 to $5,000 providing solid local reach.
Production costs for radio ads can vary from a few hundred dollars for DIY voiceover and scripting to several thousand dollars if utilizing professional agencies for fully produced commercials. A typical and effective radio advertising budget often sits between $10,000 and $15,000 monthly, enabling high ad frequency and better brand recall.
As digital audio and streaming platforms gain popularity, the trend is toward integrated campaigns combining traditional radio with digital audio for maximum reach, engagement, and ROI. Radio remains a trusted and scalable medium ideal for brands targeting Australian audiences.