living cost in australia for international students:
Are you planning to study in Australia and wondering how much it will cost to live there? The cost of living in Australia for students varies depending on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. Here's a detailed breakdown of annual expenses in popular Australian cities, helping you plan your finances better.
What’s Included in Living Costs?
- House Rent: Student accommodation, shared apartments, or homestays.
- Food/Grocery: Daily meals, supermarket groceries, occasional eating out.
- Transport: Public transport (bus/train), student discounts included.
- Electricity/Gas: Monthly utility bills.
- Internet/Mobile: Monthly phone and internet charges.
- Personal Care: Toiletries, medicines, and health essentials.
- Entertainment: Movies, outings, sports, cultural events.
- Books/Stationery: Academic books, notebooks, supplies.
- Library & Others: University resources, printing, miscellaneous costs.
Australia remains one of the top destinations for international students due to its world-class universities, post-study work rights, and quality of life. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Australia for students, which varies by city, lifestyle, and housing type. Here's a breakdown of estimated living expenses for international students in major cities:
| Item | Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Canberra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| House Rent | AU$ 9,000 | AU$ 8,500 | AU$ 9,000 | AU$ 8,000 | AU$ 8,500 | AU$ 8,500 |
| Food/Grocery | AU$ 7,000 | AU$ 8,000 | AU$ 7,800 | AU$ 8,500 | AU$ 8,700 | AU$ 8,000 |
| Transport | AU$ 2,400 | AU$ 1,900 | AU$ 1,500 | AU$ 2,000 | AU$ 1,500 | AU$ 1,800 |
| Electricity/Gas | AU$ 792 | AU$ 800 | AU$ 850 | AU$ 900 | AU$ 850 | AU$ 1,000 |
| Internet/Mobile | AU$ 900 | AU$ 1,300 | AU$ 1,000 | AU$ 800 | AU$ 900 | AU$ 1,000 |
| Personal Care | AU$ 700 | AU$ 750 | AU$ 700 | AU$ 750 | AU$ 700 | AU$ 800 |
| Entertainment | AU$ 1,700 | AU$ 1,400 | AU$ 1,600 | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,300 | AU$ 1,400 |
| Books/Stationery | AU$ 200 | AU$ 250 | AU$ 300 | AU$ 200 | AU$ 200 | AU$ 150 |
| Library | AU$ 120 | AU$ 80 | AU$ 70 | AU$ 70 | AU$ 70 | AU$ 100 |
| Others | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,200 | AU$ 1,200 |
| Total/Year | AU$ 24,012 | AU$ 24,180 | AU$ 24,020 | AU$ 23,620 | AU$ 23,850 | AU$ 23,950 |
These estimates are general and can vary based on personal lifestyle choices and circumstances. It's important for international students to plan and budget carefully to ensure they can cover all their expenses during their studies in Australia.
Budgeting Tips for International Students:
- Use Student Discounts – On public transport, groceries, food outlets.
- Cook at Home – Save AU$ 200–300/month compared to eating out.
- Buy Used Textbooks – Or use digital/online copies.
- Join Student Communities – For furniture, job referrals, deals.
- Track Your Spending – Use budgeting apps like Frollo or Goodbudget.
Cheapest Cities for Students in Australia:
While Sydney and Melbourne are vibrant and attractive, cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra offer excellent education with lower living costs, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.
Final Words: Plan Smart, Live Smart:
The cost of living in Australia for students is manageable with smart choices. Whether you’re living in Sydney’s heart or studying in peaceful Adelaide, understanding your monthly and yearly expenses can help you enjoy student life stress-free.
