If you’re a regular reader of the Australian Financial Review (AFR) or considering picking up a copy at your local newsagent, you might be wondering: how much does the AFR paper cost these days? With rising production and distribution expenses, newspaper prices have shifted in recent years-and the AFR is no exception.
Current Newsstand Prices
As of 2025, here’s what you can expect to pay for the AFR at the newsstand:
- Weekday Edition: $5.00 per copy
- AFR Weekend Edition: $5.50 per copy
These prices place the AFR at the higher end of the Australian newspaper market, reflecting its specialist business focus and comprehensive reporting. For comparison, other major dailies like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age now cost $4.80 on weekdays and $5.80 on Saturdays.
Why Has the Price Increased?
Several factors have contributed to the rise in AFR’s cover price:
- Printing Costs: The cost of newsprint, production, and distribution has gone up, especially in regions like Western Australia, where local printing facilities are limited. In fact, in May 2024, the AFR discontinued its printed edition in WA due to increased printing costs, opting for digital-only delivery in that state.
- Distribution Challenges: With fewer print facilities and rising logistics expenses, it’s become more costly to get physical newspapers into readers’ hands.
- Industry Trends: The entire newspaper industry is experiencing similar pressures, with both Nine Publishing and News Corp lifting prices across their mastheads.
Subscription and Digital Options
If you’re looking for value or daily access, a subscription may be more cost-effective than buying individual papers:
- Digital Subscription: $29.50 AUD per month for unlimited online access as of 2025.
- Print + Digital Bundles: Weekend home delivery (outside WA and NT) is available as part of premium packages, with pricing reflecting both print and digital access.
Is the AFR Worth the Price?
Many readers see the AFR as a premium product, offering specialist business journalism and in-depth analysis not found elsewhere. While the price is higher than general news dailies, the value comes from its expert coverage and exclusive content. Still, for those on a budget or living in regions without print delivery, the digital subscription is a popular alternative.
Quick Reference Table
| Edition | Price (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday AFR | $5.00 | Not available in WA (digital only) |
| AFR Weekend | $5.50 | Not available in WA (digital only) |
| Digital Subscription | $29.50/month | Unlimited online/app access |
The AFR paper costs $5.00 on weekdays and $5.50 on weekends in 2025, with higher prices reflecting industry-wide cost pressures and the paper’s premium business focus. For most Australians, especially those outside major cities, digital subscriptions are increasingly the best way to access the AFR’s trusted journalism.