Australia is well known for its fantastic student lifestyle and relaxed vibe. However, you may also have heard worrying things about the cost of living there as an international student. It’s a great place to study, but it's important to do thorough research first.
In this article, we will explore the cost of living in Australia and provide some tips to help you make the most of your money.
What costs can I expect?
As with any study destination, there are certain unavoidable costs you will face as a student living in Australia. Some, you’ll be able to reduce through lifestyle choices, but others will remain constant.
You’ll need to budget for:
- Accommodation
- Food and everyday essentials
- Travel and transport
- Entertainment
- Connectivity (internet, mobile phone, etc)
- Hidden costs (things that are unique to you, for example, course supplies or visa fees)
Tuition fees
We have a separate article for you to read about Australian international tuition fees, but as a guideline, you can expect to pay yearly:
- AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 (undergraduate level)
- AUD 18,000 to AUD 50,000 (postgraduate level)
The difference in cost between regions
No matter where you live in the world, you’ll find variations in living costs based on region. In most countries, city living is generally more expensive than living in the countryside, but there can also be geographic differences within cities.
If you are considering studying in Tasmania, you’re in luck – Hobart is one of the cheapest cities in Australia. Not surprisingly, Sydney ranks as the most expensive, with Perth and Brisbane somewhere in the middle. Generally, cities on the East Coast tend to be more expensive than other parts of the country.
However, try not to worry too much about the cost of living – there are always exceptions to the rules, and costs can vary even between suburbs and individual properties. This article is just a general guide.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be one of your major expenses as a student. In Australia, living on campus isn't as common as it is in many other countries. If your institution does offer on-campus accommodation, it’s usually in high demand, so be sure to apply early. Most students opt to live in private rental properties instead.
We've looked into housing options for students planning to stay in Australia for a year or more. However, if you're enrolled in a short course, guesthouses or homestay options might be more budget-friendly for you. Your university should have more information on these options.
University residence
If you decide to reside in a university-owned property, you can expect to pay rent ranging from AUD 240 to AUD 800 per week, depending on the type of accommodation and its inclusions.
Halls of residence are usually the most affordable option. For example, at the University of Newcastle, a single room in a self-catered shared apartment starts from around AUD 244 per week, while catered options with meals included are closer to AUD 345 per week. These typically provide private bedrooms with shared kitchens, bathrooms and communal spaces.
Residential colleges are more expensive, as they often include meals, cleaning, academic and social support, and other amenities. At the University of Melbourne, rates range from about AUD 404 to AUD 762 per week, depending on the college and room type.
Some universities also provide apartment-style living for students who prefer greater independence. At the University of Sydney, for instance, accommodation ranges from around AUD 510 to AUD 794 per week, with options including studio apartments, en-suite rooms or shared housing close to campus.
It's important to note that university residences in Australia do not remain open during holiday periods. Always confirm whether your accommodation is available year-round before making arrangements.
Private rentals
Renting privately is the most common choice for students in Australia, particularly in a shared house or flat. This option gives you independence while keeping costs lower than renting alone. It offers flexibility and independence while allowing you to find a place that best suits your needs.
Budget estimates
According to data from Realestate.com.au and Wikipedia:
- A private bedroom in a shared house or flat: expect to pay around AUD 300 to AUD 400 per week, with prices in higher-demand areas (e.g., Avalon Beach near Sydney) sometimes reaching up to AUD 570.
- One-bedroom flat (single occupancy): going by national median rent figures, typical weekly costs fall between AUD 500 and AUD 850, depending on city and property type.
At the beginning of your tenancy, you will usually need to pay a bond (security deposit) equal to four weeks’ rent, plus your first rent instalment upfront. This is refundable if the property is returned in good condition.
Most private rentals are unfurnished, so you may need to buy furniture and essentials. Many students save money by purchasing second-hand items through Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or local charity shops.
Utility bills (electricity, gas, water and internet) are often not included in rent. For a standard 915 sq ft flat, utilities cost around AUD 270 per month on average (source: Numbeo), typically shared among flatmates.
Groceries
If you are among the majority of students living in self-catered accommodations, you will likely enjoy the challenge of learning to cook on a budget.
Grocery prices across Australia fluctuate significantly depending on the state and city. For instance, Tasmania generally offers the most affordable grocery bills, while the Northern Territory tends to be the most expensive.
According to Numbeo, these are the average prices of some of the most common grocery items in Australia:
- Milk (1L): AUD 2.43
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): AUD 3.83
- Chicken fillets (1 kg): AUD 12.91
- Apples (1kg): AUD 4.96
- Tomatoes (1 kg): AUD 6.78
- White rice (1 kg): AUD 3.13
- Eggs (12 pack): AUD 6.90
- Potatoes (1 kg): AUD 3.87
- Local cheese (1 kg): AUD 13.60
Transport
Your transport expenses in Australia will depend on where you choose to live. If you live on or near campus, you can walk or cycle to most places so you won't have to spend much on public transport. However, if you live further away, you’ll need to factor in transport costs when budgeting.
In Australia, different cities offer various modes of public transport such as buses, trams, ferries and trains, providing efficient and cost-effective travel options.
Most states offer student concessions or discounts on public transport. Don't forget to familiarise yourself with the eligibility requirements in your chosen state to determine the options available to you.
Public transport costs in Australia vary depending on the city and the frequency of travel. In many cities, travel card options are available to help regular commuters save money. A monthly travel pass in Australia costs around AUD 142 on average.
Some parts of Australia offer pay-as-you-go style cards, such as New South Wales’s Opal card, which come with daily and weekly fare caps.
Some larger educational institutions offer their own transport systems to help students get to and around campus. While taxis are an option, they tend to be expensive and may not suit those on a tight budget.
Leisure and entertainment
Remember to account for leisure and social activities as part of your university budget. Look for student discounts to save on entertainment costs. Here are some examples of your average entertainment expenses according to Numbeo:
- Local beer at a restaurant or bar (1 pint): AUD 10
- Cappuccino: AUD 5.42
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: AUD 120
- Cinema ticket: AUD 20
- Monthly gym membership: AUD 73
Don't forget to consider budget-friendly options such as enjoying a day at Australia's beaches or exploring the country's free botanic gardens.
Connectivity
Most people need to stay connected to the internet while on the go, especially when abroad, and it's not easy to keep in touch with family back home.
In Australia, the average cost of broadband internet for one household is AUD 82 per month for a speed of 60 Mbps or more. The cost will be lower if you're sharing a house or flat.
Australia has some great SIM-only deals to help you stay connected while you're out and about. If you find a good data deal, you won't have to worry about the cost of international calls as you can use apps to contact friends and family.
On average, a monthly mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB of data will cost you AUD 42.
Miscellaneous and hidden costs
Life is full of surprises. Every now and then, there will be extra expenses such as clothing or replacing a piece of technology. Make sure you have an emergency fund in your budget, just in case.
While the university library may have many of your reading materials, you should also consider the costs of textbooks, stationery and equipment.
There will also be expenses associated with your arrival, such as visas and insurance. You can read our article to find out more about Australian student visa costs and requirements.
Living in Australia may seem expensive, but remember to look out for student discounts, which are available in many places across the country. Most student visas also allow you to work while studying in Australia.
Try not to worry – once your budget is organised, you'll find it much easier to relax and enjoy the Australian way of life.
Disclaimer: All figures in this article are indicative only and correct at the time of writing. Since the economy can be subject to rapid, unexpected changes at any time, we always recommend you do your own research before booking any travel.
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