Cost of Living in Australia

Food is typically a significant part of living in Australia, but if you cook your meals instead of frequently going out to expensive restaurants, it can be more economical. Locating neighbourhood supermarkets in Australia that sell the ingredients for meals you can make at home is a useful strategy.

The prices for some basic supplies and food items are as follows:

Travel expenses within Australia's cities are included in the cost of living for students. In general, you will need to make a lot of travel to get where you're going if you live far from your university. However, you can take advantage of some of the student discounts offered to international students in order to manage these costs.

Public transportation is another option for getting around the city. It's quite convenient and has good connections. Instead of using cabs, riding the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be far less expensive.

When planning a study abroad program, one of the most important things that international students need to think about is the expense of healthcare in Australia. International students must obtain some form of overseas student health coverage, or OSHC, throughout their stay in Australia. Although OSHC would partially cover possible medical costs, students may need to be aware of additional costs related to certain healthcare treatments.

When living in Australia, a student's household expenses are also taken into consideration. It is important to pay necessary bills on time, including those for power, water, and internet. These essential utilities are usually included in the cost of the accommodations, but if they aren't, you'll need to factor them into the monthly living expenses in Australia for Indian students. Given below is a list of your typical household costs across the nation:

If you're an international student studying in Australia, you'll probably find that leisure and entertainment costs are somewhat higher. This vibrant environment could attract you with a variety of choices, including delicious food, movies, shopping, etc. In Australia, monthly expenses for shopping and entertainment might amount to about 80 AUD.

Here’s an overview of the typical monthly expenses related to sports, clothing, and leisure activities.

Cost of living in Australia for Indian students will greatly depend on the place of stay. For example, places like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, Spring Hill, and many others would have much lower average costs of living compared to metropolitan cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

Approximate average cost of living per month in different Australian cities:

The prices differ from state to state and with different types of homes. Depending on the location, the average accommodation cost in Australia is about AUD 1,800–2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment with a centrally located ensuite bathroom in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Other major cities also include Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane. Prices will vary between AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,000 on average monthly in suburban areas.

One can always find something more reasonably priced in regional areas and smaller towns, where the rent could cost around AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,500 a month. The Australian rental market is competitive and prices are mostly determined by property type, proximity to facilities of transport, and demand.

The following steps could help lower living cost in Australia for international students:

• Living expenses in Australia depend on the state you opt for to pursue your higher education and the university you get into.
• When you live in a foreign country, you sometimes need to exchange your money into the local currency. Banks often charge additional fees for processing this exchange. It is hence better to opt for any trustworthy money exchange company that might be operating within the country.
• You can also afford the average cost of living in Australia by applying various cost-cutting measures, such as turning off electrical appliances when not needed, preparing your own meals, using the bus, or even your bicycle.
• Part-time jobs are another means by which Indian and international students can supplement expenses while studying in Australia.
• Some universities offer scholarships to offset the high costs of being an international student in Australia.

In simple terms, you require careful financial planning to cope with living expenses in Australia as an international student. Location, lifestyle choices, and personal spending habits influence overall budgets. Nevertheless, students could survive their finances through budgeting, utilising several student discounts, and applying for various part-time jobs.

Are you considering studying in Australia and want to know how much it will cost to live there? Connect with expert counsellors at AECC to get comprehensive guidance on managing your budget, from rent to daily expenses. Make your stay in Australia affordable and enjoyable.