Cost of Living in Australia
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of
studying Cost of Living in Australia into reality.
Cost of Living in Australia
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying Cost of Living in Australia into reality.
Cost of Living in Australia
Thousands of students study abroad in Australia each year, a nation ranking among the top study-abroad destinations in the world. When planning to study here, one of the main things to think about is the cost of living in Australia.
However, living expenses in Australia for international students can be easily managed if you plan them well. If you have budgeted your expenses as an international student in Australia, you should be spending about AUD 2,000 a month. Consequently, prepare wisely before visiting.
What is the Cost of Living in Australia Per Month?
Without including rent, the average monthly cost of living in Australia is between AUD 1400 and AUD 2500. This includes a variety of everyday costs, such as food, transportation, and medical needs. Depending on where you live and how, the cost can vary significantly.
The monthly cost of living in Australia for various types of housing is shown below:
Accommodation |
Monthly Cost (AUD) |
Monthly Cost (INR) |
Homestays |
450-1200 |
25,000-67,000 |
Halls of residence |
440-1100 |
24,500-61,200 |
Apartment |
750-1700 |
42,000-95,000 |
Shared apartment |
650-950 |
36,000-53,000 |
Accommodation Costs in Australia for International Students
The primary source of monthly expenses in Australia for Indian students as well as International Students is their accommodation. Depending on the kind of room you wish to stay in, international students' costs for accommodation in Australia differ. Numerous accommodation alternatives are available to you, including shared accommodations in resident halls and local homestays. For international students, the residence hall is the most well-liked option.
Average costs for popular accommodation options:
- In-home care: AUD 450–1,200 per month
- Cost of residing halls for students: AUD 440-1,100 per month
- Apartment rental: AUD 750–1,700 per month
- Splitting a rental home or apartment: AUD 380–850 per month
Food & Grocery Costs in Australia for International Students
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:
Grocery Products |
Average Cost |
White Rice 1 kg |
AUD 3.60 |
White Fat Milk 1 Litre |
AUD 2.02 |
1 kg Apples |
AUD 5.20 |
1 kg Oranges |
AUD 2.60 |
1 kg Tomatoes |
AUD 6.00 |
1.5 Litres of Water |
AUD 2.40 |
Bread |
AUD 3.41 |
1 kg Potatoes |
AUD 3.81 |
Lettuce |
AUD 5.50 |
500 gm Cheese |
AUD 7.70 |
1 kg Bananas |
AUD 4.50 |
Fast Food Combo Meal |
AUD 15.00 |
12 Eggs |
AUD 8.00 |
Transportation Costs in Australia
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.
Transportation |
Average Cost (AUD) |
One-way local transport Ticket |
3-6 |
Taxi Tariff |
3-7 |
Gasoline (1 Litre) |
1.2-1.6 |
Taxi 1 Km |
2-3 |
Monthly Pass |
100-200 |
Healthcare Costs in Australia
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.
Healthcare Service |
Cost in AUD |
General Practitioner visit |
90-100 |
Specialist consultation |
130-230 |
Prescription medication |
25-35 |
Dental |
300-500 |
Physiotherapy |
50-200 per session |
Eye test |
60-80 |
Hospital admission |
500-1000 |
Emergency room visit |
500-1000 |
X-ray |
200-400 |
Mental health consultation |
100-200 |
Utility Costs in Australia
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:
Utility Type |
Average Cost (AUD) |
Internet |
AUD 87 |
Basic utilities include garbage, water, heating, cooling, and electricity. |
AUD 332 |
Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local |
AUD 0.10-1 |
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and Up to 10GB of Data |
AUD 44.69 |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Australia
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.
Leisure Activity |
Approximate Average Cost(AUD) |
Fitness Club |
AUD 80.07 |
Cinema |
AUD 21.00 |
Pair of Jeans |
AUD 125.34 |
Summer Dress |
AUD 84.22 |
Shoes |
AUD 177.82 |
Tennis Court Rent |
AUD 26.11 |
Average Cost of Living in Australia: City-wise
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:
City |
Average Monthly Cost Of Living (AUD) |
Perth |
3,620 |
Brisbane |
3,642 |
Melbourne |
2,367 |
Adelaide |
3,436 |
Canberra |
4,453 |
Gold Coast |
4,943 |
Average Rent in Australia
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.
Tips to Save Money in Australia for International Students
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.
Takeaway
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.