Cost of Living in Australia: Guide for international Students

Though a worthwhile long-term investment, international education can be expensive. Being aware of all living expenses and budgeting accurately is critical to ensure students will have the financial means to complete their education.

Living Expenses

In addition to tuition, students must also account for housing, food, transportation and other day-to-day living expenses. Costs are generally more expensive in bigger cities and will also depend on a student’s lifestyle, choice of accommodations, and spending habits.

Here are some average cost of living expenses in Australia

On-Campus Housing (Per Month)

Including utilities and housing-related expenses- $1,280-$2,680

Off Campus Housing (Per Month)

1-bed apartment (towns or smaller cities)- $1,200-$2,500

Off Campus Housing (Per Month)

1-bed apartment (city centre)- $1,500-$3,400

Overseas Student Health Coverage (Per Month Average)

$630-$850

Groceries (Per Month Average)

One-person household- $450

Personal Care (Per Month Average)

$20-$200

Utilities

Students living on-campus will have utilities included in their rent. However, students living off-campus, need to factor monthly utilities into their budget.

Utility bills may vary depending on:

Housing type and location

Lifestyle

City and regional regulations

Local climate

It’s a good idea to discuss average utility estimates with a building manager or landlord or look through Study Australia’s cost of living calculator.

Utilities (Per Month)

Electricity, water, etc.- $150-$510

Internet (Per Month National Average)

$82

Mobile Phone (Per Month National Average)

$41

TV and Streaming (Per Month)

$23-$130

Transportation

For international students, taking public transport and bicycling are common travel options. Undergraduate studies can look at buying an International Student Transit pass (IST Pass) which can save 50% on the full transit fare.

Also, many cities in Australia have bikeshare programs, where students can borrow a bike to go short distances. In general, students who live off-campus will spend more money on public transportation compared to those who live on-campus.

Public Transportation (Per Month)

$30-$230

Public Transportation

Single one-way ticket- $1-$7

Bicycling (Per Month)

Purchase and maintenance- $40-$100

Leisure

It’s important to also have fun while studying! No matter how you choose to relax, remember to save enough to cover your expenses in case of an emergency. Here are some average costs for leisure activities in Australia:

Clothing (Per Month)

Depends on personal style- $17-$170

General Entertainment (Per Month Average)

$200

Concert Ticket (Per Event Average)

$105

Eating Out (Per Month)

Fast food, four meals- $56-$72

Eating Out (Per Month)

Casual restaurants, four meals- $64-$200

Gym Membership (Per Month)

Ask for a student membership- $35-$120

Academic Supplies

Academic supplies, such as textbooks can be found in an institution’s bookstore, city library or through StudentVIP to purchase it secondhand. Renting textbooks is a great way to save money.

Books and Supplies (Per Semester)

$500