Cost of Living in Australia: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

If you are planning to move to Australia for your higher education, you might want to know the cost of living in Australia. You will find it beneficial to learn about the different financial parameters and considerations to learn how you can make sure that you do not go overboard with your financial planning. The students who aim to study abroad should consider their situation before choosing a particular course, a university, and the location of residence.

Following tuition fees, the cost of living is another important consideration that students often overlook during their initial planning process. This is why we have compiled a list of cities with their average range for the cost of living in Australia. This will help you to plan your study in Australia more effectively and shortlist the places where you can live while pursuing your higher education at Australian universities. Take a look at the cost of living in Australia for Indians in each of these cities, with some of the more affordable options.

Cost of Living in Australia: Range and Quality

When a student is planning to study in Australia, the cost of living should be planned first before making any travel arrangements. Some students or parents learn about the cost of accommodation and other expenses of living in Australia before shortlisting universities, though it is not a usual way to plan for your studies abroad. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Australia can range between AU$1,400 and AU$2,500 per month.

Making a choice for a suitable city is a very important consideration when deciding to study abroad. Not only the costs, but also the quality of life will differ in each Australian city. While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have a higher quality of living, the cost of living is also very high. However, the cost of living in a city does not always equate to the quality of living for many students planning to study in Australia.

List of Popular Places in Australia With Cost of Living

To understand the cost of living in Australia, we will first look at the most common and well-known options. Here are the most popular places in Australia where students and tourists can enjoy:

Sydney

Being the most popular in Australia, Sydney is also the most expensive place to live in Australia. The University of Sydney and UNSW are some of the top universities in Sydney. The cost of living in Sydney can range in the following categories:

Accommodation – AU$250-2,950 per month

Food & Groceries – AU$220-500 per month

Transportation – AU$120-200 per month (Oplus card discount)

Utilities & Internet – AU$100-600 per month

Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$50-600 per month

Melbourne

The cost of living in Australia is high when you are living in Melbourne, but it is also relatively cheap compared to Sydney. Melbourne offers the same quality of living as Sydney. It is known for its culture, food, and sightseeing. Here is the list of expenses for each category:

Accommodation – AU$300-2,500 per month

Food & Groceries – AU$150-450 per month

Transportation – AU$140-200 per month

Utilities & Internet – AU$90-140 per month

Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$180-250 per month

Perth

While Perth is still a growing area and gaining popularity with tourists and international students alike, the cost of living in Australia is still affordable when compared to the costs of living in Sydney and Melbourne. Here is a list of expenses that a student can expect to pay in Perth:

Accommodation – AU$600-1,200 per month

Food & Groceries – AU$200-500 per month

Transportation – AU$120-160 per month (on student concessions)

Utilities & Internet – AU$80-120 per month

Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$100-500 per month

List of Affordable Places in Australia for International Students

Regional cities in Australia will cost a lot less than the major cities. International students can expect to save a thousand dollars in a month. To understand the cost of living in Australia in a more affordable area, we will look at the cost of living in different areas of Australia, other than major urban areas.

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is one of the most affordable places in Australia. The rent of accommodation is lower with a cheaper public transportation system than in the rest of the major cities in Australia. Here is the cost breakdown for living in Tasmania:

Accommodation – AU$500-1,000 per month
Food & Groceries – AU$200-350 per month
Transportation – AU$60-100 per month (student concessions available)
Utilities & Internet – AU$70–120 per month
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$120-200 per month

Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide is a famous city among international students, as it offers a very student-friendly atmosphere with an affordable cost of living in Australia. Here is a cost breakdown of living in Adelaide, and what students can expect to spend:

Accommodation – AU$500-850 per month

Food & Groceries – AU$90-300 per month

Transportation – AU$80-230 per month (on student discounts)

Utilities & Internet – AU$60-110 per month

Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$120-200 per month

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Canberra is not included in the smaller cities since it is situated within the capital territory of Australia. However, Canberra has a very affordable rate for international students, because of its subsidies for transport services and accommodation. It offers a lower cost of living in Australia, with shorter travel times. Here is a cost breakdown for different expenses in the city:

Accommodation – AU$700-1,500 per month
Food & Groceries – AU$200-400 per month
Transportation – AU$60-120 per month (student discounts applied)
Utilities & Internet – AU$80-140 per month
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$150-250 per month

Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane is a major city with a lower cost than Sydney and Melbourne. International students can expect to find a part-time job in Brisbane while pursuing their studies and managing their expenses. A warmer climate makes the stay more comfortable in Brisbane than elsewhere in Australia. Here is a cost breakdown for students who want to stay in Brisbane:

Accommodation – AU$600-2,000 per month

Food & Groceries – AU$200-400 per month

Transportation – AU$100-150 per month (monthly go card)

Utilities & Internet – AU$80-130 per month

Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care) – AU$150-300 per month

Conclusion

When considering the cost of living in Australia, also look at the cost of accommodation, transportation, food or groceries, and other necessities such as clothing or mobile phones. Living in a city with higher or lower costs will be a personal choice. However, consider the budget and preferences while shortlisting a city for your study abroad journey. Use student discounts and other discounts for international students, and rent a shared space to save money.

Still have questions about studying in Australia? Talk to an expert at Education Vibes.