Can my area of installation affect my split system air conditioner purchase and install price

We live in a lucky country—we hear it often, but it’s true.
Australia offers stunning cities, beaches, wildlife, and weather that can be so extreme, it drives us indoors.
That’s when comfort becomes essential, and split system installation cost becomes worth every dollar for year-round indoor climate control.

Wherever you live in Australia, be it inner city, regional hubs or perhaps a rural area, we are all used to paying a different price for things. Petrol, food even utilities are different between states, between regions and even sometimes between suburbs thanks to varying cost of products, services and the vast distances that people may need to travel to provide these services. Traditionally, people in regional and rural areas get a raw deal when it comes to paying for items. The costs involved in getting them to and from areas outside of the capital cities are factored into pricing models of businesses large and small.

man installs indoor unit of the air conditioner

That being said, people who live in and around the major capital cities of Australia – especially in the east coast cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne – experience extremely high costs of living, therefore often the provision of trades and service – such as split system air conditioning may cost a lot more than in a regional area! But what about installation of a split system air conditioner unit? Is there a chance that the area I live in may affect the installation price and/or the purchase price of the unit? After all, the same unit may be installed in Adelaide City and also in Mount Gambia, but the costs may vary quite dramatically.

In this article, we take a look at the factors that may affect the price of your split system air conditioning unit installation and purchase and how you can manage them as best as possible to get the right price!

Regional vs. city prices

When you are shopping for items, be it petrol, coffee or split system air conditioners, there will always be additional costs added for items that have had to travel.

This rule applies both to goods as it does for services. If someone or something has to travel further to get to your, them presumably it will cost more. However, when it comes to the provision of many services, such as air conditioning installation, where the expert may live locally in a regional area, that their services are $60 per hour, whereas another contractor in a metropolitan area with the same skill sets and is set to install the same unit in a similar home will charge $120.

To put it bluntly, trades and service providers will usually charge a: what the market dictates it should and b: what they can get away with. In the instance of the metro contractor charging twice the amount for the same service, this can be the case in a market that is highly competitive, and the costs of living are so much higher than in regional or rural areas.

Because of that, these regional or rural contractors are happy to charge a little less, to get a good name and repeat business.

Have you thought about delivery?

When it comes to a split system air conditioning unit, as the name suggests there are two large pieces, plus a range of pipes cables and associated items. All of this generally won’t fit into the back of the car – not to mention they are extremely heavy.

So in many cases, retailers will offer delivery – in most cases for a fee. Depending on where you live, that fee may be free, it may be hundreds of dollars depending on the retailer and where you live. This again can have a significant bearing on the overall cost of your split system air conditioning unit.

Local deals

Just because a product may have a recommended retail price (RRP) of $1250, a local air conditioning store may have it available for $999 when no one else does!

Some retailers are happy to offer lower margins on their sales, to drive more volume and get a name out there that they can offer the same product as cheaper. This form of pricing may affect the price between stores, regions or simply towns – all in the name of competition.

It is illegal for a manufacturer to ‘tell’ a retailer what they can sell their products at, therefore it’s up to the owner or manager of the store to dictate what they make and how they make it.

Installation

As mentioned earlier, several factors can influence the installation cost of a split system air conditioning unit.
These may include wall access, building height, outdoor area setup, and the need for brackets, pipes, or extra materials.
Each of these factors can add to your total installation cost based on your home’s specific requirements.

Contractors may also have different pricing—even within the same suburb or region.
That’s why it’s smart to shop around, compare options, and choose the right installer for your budget and needs.
Sometimes, a contractor may increase a quote due to time constraints or reluctance to take on the job.
Always get multiple quotes before proceeding with installation to ensure you’re receiving fair pricing and service.

So, how can I avoid these differences?

To put it simply, in many cases, you can’t control pricing differences between regions for air conditioning systems.
Factors like transport costs and cost of living often push prices up, outside the control of retailers or installers.
These challenges mean pricing may vary significantly between metro, regional, or rural locations.

Step 1: Do Your Research

If you’re considering installing a split system air conditioner, your first step is proper research.
Start by finding the cost of the unit you think you need online, including delivery to your address.

Step 2: Visit Local Suppliers

Next, visit multiple retailers and air conditioning specialists to collect quotes and compare offers.
Ask questions and gather all the information you can to make an informed decision.

Step 3: Compare the Quotes

Now it’s time to do a little work—compare your quotes carefully to see what’s included.
Check whether delivery, installation, and spare parts are factored into the final price you’ve been given.

Step 4: Start Negotiating

Talk to retailers and specialists about the quotes you’ve received—see who can match or beat those prices.
Full-service providers may offer manufacturer deals or incentives you didn’t know about, adding even more value.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate—the savings are better in your pocket than the retailer’s.

Final Step: Lock It In

Once you’re happy with the deal, get everything confirmed in writing or via email from both parties.
Then, book your installation and get ready to enjoy cool, clean air circulating through your home.

With all this in mind, there is one last thing the consider

Everyone in retail or service wants to sell and install as many split system air conditioners as they can.
There’s always room for negotiation, but full-service providers generally have the most flexibility on pricing and service.

Rite Price Heating and Cooling is a full-service provider with access to competitive pricing through bulk buying.
They also offer expert installer networks and trusted brand names to deliver great value across South Australia.

Living in regional or rural areas usually increases the cost of goods due to shipping by truck or train.
However, installation costs may be lower outside major cities where rent, parking, and insurance are more affordable.
City installations often carry higher costs due to expensive overheads and increased service demands.
So, both metro and regional areas have their advantages depending on your location and service needs.

The key is to research and speak with professionals who handle the full process—purchase, installation, and after-sales service.
Choosing the right team from the beginning can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

To explore our full range of air conditioners, contact Rite Price Heating and Cooling for expert advice and a free quote.
>You can request an on-site quote or visit our showroom to test systems and learn about your heating and cooling options.
Our specialists will provide a detailed overview of the system’s features, performance, and suitability for your home or office.