Living Expenses in Australia for international students in 2023 | Average Monthly Living Expenses

Are you planning to live and study in Australia? Here is a detailed explanation of how much it will cost students to live in Australia. Numerous factors, such as individual preferences, the city in which you choose to live and attend school, travel and eating routines, and others, affect the overall cost of living in Australia. 

The average cost of living in Australia is something you must be aware of if you intend to live there. The way you choose to live affects every aspect of your financial planning, including the costs of your food, lodging, clothing, and other expenses a student incurs while attending college or a school. You can easily determine the average monthly living expenses by taking into account the following factors: 

• House rent 
• Transportation 
• Food habits 
• Accommodation 
• Entertainment 
• Insurance/Health costs 
• Groceries and other utilities 

Considering all of the factors mentioned, the average annual cost of living in Australia is between AUD 25,000 and 38,000. Despite having a higher overall cost of living than nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, Australia is still one of the most sought-after locations for international students to pursue their academic interests. 

 

Cost of Studying in Australia 

Australia’s island nation is attracting an increasing number of international students from all over the world. Australia is home to some of the world’s best universities and colleges, and as a result, the country is quickly becoming a student favourite. Another factor that contributes to Australia’s attractiveness is its education system.

Indian students favour studying in Australia over western nations because of its proximity to the Indian subcontinent. But how much does education in Australia really cost?

To learn more, visit the Cost of Studying in Australia page. The tuition amount varies depending on the university and the type of program and course you choose. 

 

Cost of Living in Australia 

Australia is ranked among the top ten in both the Human Development Index and the Quality-of-Life Index. In other words, as a developed country, Australia is among the top countries in the world in terms of education, GDP, and buying power parity. It has a high level of income, a high degree of health awareness, an excellent medical system, and a politically stable economy. 

However, as a student, these are hardly something to be concerned about. What matters is the cost of staying in Australia. So, here is the above language simplified to monthly living costs in Australia: 

 

Monthly Expenses	In AUD
Rentals (On-Campus Accommodation)	860
Transportation Pass	210
Basic Amenities	500
Entertainment	300
Estimated Total Monthly Expense	1,870

 

Food and grocery bills are examples of basic amenities. According to the average data australian household spend $108,291 in 2021, equivalent to $2,083 per week.

These figures, however, cover the fundamentals and will vary depending on the university and the way of life you prefer. If you prefer to stay in independent accommodation or if your university does not have a hostel facility (which is uncommon), you will pay anywhere between AUD 1000 and AUD 1750 for a single room unit.

Furthermore, the cost of entertainment can vary greatly. If you prefer to spend your weekends exploring the magnificent outback, the monthly expenses can roughly denote your weekly expenses as well. 

Overall, it is up to you how you want to live. There’s a lot to spend money on in Australia, but don’t worry. You can always work extra hours to make your stay more worthwhile. 

 

Working while studying 

Australian immigration law is not particularly complicated when it comes to working while studying. A simple request can often qualify you to work in Australia as an international student. Though the rules vary, students are generally permitted to work for up to 40 weeks per year. 

The availability of jobs, which is another factor, is not an issue. Companies, small businesses, and retail stores frequently hire students (both domestic and international). As an international student, you are protected by the same labor laws as domestic students, including the minimum wage. As a student, you should expect to earn around $18 per hour. 

The types of jobs available are also diverse. There are both on-campus and off-campus jobs available, and many universities have an office that can assist you in finding the right one for you. Students work in a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, and administrative/teaching positions. It is worth noting that Australia provides excellent post-study work opportunities for international students. 

 

Entertainment Options 

Now that we’ve covered the costs and income options for students, let’s talk about the many things you can do while in Australia. 

Australia, an island continent, has beautiful beaches. People would frequently spend their free time at the beaches near your university. If you have more adventurous tastes, there are a variety of water sports activities to keep you busy. There are numerous activities available, ranging from surfing to deep sea diving. 

Another thing that Australia has in abundance is wildlife diversity. If you are an adventurer, Australia has beautiful wild terrains that will take your breath away. 

But not everything has to be wild; city life has its own zing. There are clubs, lounges, bars, and specialty restaurants to choose from. Not to mention Sydney’s famous Opera House. If you are a connoisseur or simply want to have an experience unlike any other, a visit to the Sydney Opera House will undoubtedly make your trip to Australia worthwhile. 

 

Education Loan 

To apply for international education, one must begin planning as soon as possible, with the most important step being financial preparation. But not everybody has the good fortune to come from a wealthy family.

However, one should not give up hope of achieving one’s goals. Student education loans are available from financial institutions and banks such as HDFC Credila, SBI, and others at low-interest rates.

It is simple to apply for and receive approval for an education loan. However, in order for your loan to be approved, all of your loan documents must be precise and error-free. 

 

Insurance Costs 

If you plan to study and live in Australia, you must purchase Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC). The average annual insurance costs for international students range from AUD 450 to 550, depending on the provider. Popular providers include Bupa, Allianz Global Assistance, Medibank, and nib. 

Furthermore, living expenses differ across Australia’s states and territories. Let’s take a look at the average prices for public transportation and lodging in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. These costs will help international students plan their finances based on the area they choose. 

 

• Victoria  

 

Accommodation Costs

A one-bedroom apartment in Victoria, specifically Melbourne, costs around AUD 320, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 400. A one-bedroom unit in regional Victoria costs between AUD 190 and AUD 260, while a three-bedroom apartment costs between AUD 250 and 350. 

 

Public Transport

Depending on your requirements, you can select from two hourly, weekly, monthly, or yearly options. However, transportation options are limited in Victoria’s outskirts.

As a result, you may wish to consider another mode of transportation, such as driving or cycling. In Melbourne, trains, buses, and trams are all available for use. Within the CBD, tram rides are free. Full-fare tickets for zone 1 are $7.00, $5.00 for zone 2, and $11.00 for zones 1 and 2. 

 

• New South Wales 

 

Accommodation Costs

In Sydney, a shared home or apartment costs between AUD 200 and AUD 380 per week, while a one-bedroom property costs between AUD 400 and AUD 600 per week.

Weekly rent for a one-bedroom property in regional New South Wales ranges from AUD 250 to 300, with three-bedroom units costing between AUD 300 and AUD 370. 

 

Public Transport

The weekly cost of transportation can range from AUD 40 to AUD 58, with concession card holders paying between AUD 20 and AUD 30. Because public transportation in regional NSW is limited, having a car is recommended.

Travelling in Sydney is very convenient because there are numerous public transportation options available, including the monorail, buses, ferries, trains, and light rail.

Full-time international students in NSW are not eligible for transportation discounts, but international students who are recipients of Australian government scholarships may be. 

 

• Queensland 

 

Accommodation Costs

A flat in northern Queensland will cost you at least AUD 240 per week, while a unit on the Gold Coast will cost you around AUD 350 per week. In Brisbane, a one-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 310 per week, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 360. The cost of renting a unit varies across Queensland’s regional areas. 

 

Public Transport

Electronic cards can be purchased and used on ferries, trains, and buses throughout south-east Queensland. All full-time students in Queensland are eligible for a transportation discount. Concessionary transportation fares range from AUD 2.00 to AUD 12.30 for a single trip, depending on where you are going. 

 

• South Australia 

 

Accommodation Costs

In Adelaide, rent ranges from AUD 165 to AUD 440 per week. In South Australia, a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 320 in the outer suburbs and AUD 550 in the city center. 

 

Public Transport

You can get around Adelaide by bus, train, or tram. In the central areas, public transportation is also free for the first two hours of travel per day. If you are a full-time international student, you can also get a discounted fare. A multi-trip ticket with a concession cost around AUD 14. 

 

• Tasmania 

 

Accommodation Costs

A one-bedroom apartment in Hobart costs around AUD 205 per week, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to AUD 350. You can also inquire with your university/college about available off-campus or on-campus amenities and then calculate your housing costs based on their fees. 

 

Public Transport

On weekdays, campus bus services connect Tasmanian cities such as Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. International students also receive a ticket discount, so a daily ticket will cost you around AUD 3. 

 

• Australian Capital Territory 

 

Accommodation Costs

A one-bedroom unit in Canberra costs around AUD 400, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 450. 

 

Public Transport

ACTON, Canberra’s bus company, provides an excellent bus network for residents. The buses use an electronic ticketing system that allows passengers to travel by swiping a prepaid card. International students also get discounted fares during peak and off-peak hours. 

 

• Northern Territory 

 

Accommodation Costs

Darwin’s average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment is AUD 300, and AUD 450 for a three-bedroom apartment. 

 

Public Transport

Bus service is limited at night and on weekends, but it is generally available in the central Darwin area and at the Palmerston and Casuarina campuses. 

 

Factors affecting the cost of living in Australia 

International students can obtain a higher education in Australia at a reasonable cost; but, living expenses in Australia can be expensive. A few things can influence the cost of living in Australia for students. 

These include the following: 

 

• Education provider

Tuition fees for your university is a major portion for of your expenses in Australia. The cost of education in Australia varies greatly depending on the university where you enroll for your higher education. Aside from that, the charges vary depending on the course you are enrolling in. In general, master’s and PhD degrees in Australia are more expensive than undergraduate degrees. 

In Australia, studying at a public university is less expensive than studying at a private institution. However, international students are charged more than native students. 

 

• Accommodation

Accommodation costs are a major concern for overseas students studying in Australia. The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the type of housing you choose. Most universities have facilities for overseas students and provide discounts. The cost of private living outside of campus is determined by where you stay and the type of housing you select. 

 

• Exchange rate **

Exchange rates should be taken into account when estimating your living expenses in Australia. If you are a resident of a nation with a stronger currency than Australia, you will not find living in Australia to be prohibitively expensive in terms of your home currency. However, living in Australia can be costly for students whose native currency is weak in relation to the Australian Dollar. 

It is also important to consider the expenses for converting your money into Australian currency, as certain banks and exchange businesses mark up currency exchange rates. This, in turn, can significantly increase your long-term living expenses. 

 

• Location

Certain locations of Australia are more expensive than others to live in. As a result, the location of your university in Australia is a significant aspect in determining your living expenses. International students, for example, face greater living costs in Australia if they live in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra. The capital cities of each of Australia’s six states are more expensive than other cities in the country. 

For international students, Adelaide is one of Australia’s most affordable cities. Adelaide is 60% less expensive than cities such as Sydney. As a result, depending on where you attend university, your living expenses may be expensive or low. 

 

• Spending habits

Your spending habits ultimately influence how much your living expenditures in Australia cost. You are spending on eating out or other forms of entertainment may contribute to your overall living expenses. If you want to keep the expense of living in Australia to a minimal, make a budget, stick to it and spend carefully. 

 

Cost of accommodation in Australia 

After the cost of school in Australia, the largest expense for an overseas student is housing. The cost of living includes not just the rent but also the money needed for utilities and services. You now have a variety of lodging options to pick from. Depending on your budget, you can select one of these options. 

 

• University hostels

Campus housing is the most affordable alternative for your student stay in Australia. Most universities provide international students with subsidized housing. 

On-campus lodging in Australia typically costs between AUD 90 and AUD 280 per week. 

 

• Rented accommodation (single)

Outside of campus, you can rent out space for yourself. There are one-bedroom apartments available that might help you keep your living expenses in Australia to a minimum. 

The weekly rent for rental places ranges from AUD 165 to AUD 440. 

 

• Rented accommodation (shared)

By sharing housing with your colleagues, you can keep your living expenses to a minimum. Shared housing allows you to spread the cost of utilities and so reduce your lodging bills. 

The weekly rent for shared houses in Australia ranges from AUD 85 to AUD 215. 

 

• Homestays

International students in Australia can live in homestays. Throughout your course, you stay with an Australian family in this location. This is an excellent alternative if your university is in an expensive section of Australia. 

The weekly lodging costs for a homestay range from AUD 110 to AUD 270. 

If you intend to live in a rental home, be prepared to pay for utilities such as gas, electricity, and internet. The average weekly cost of gas and electricity in Australia is AUD 10 to AUD 20. Internet access will cost you between AUD 15 and AUD 30 per week. However, utilities might cost up to AUD 200 each week. 

 

Traveling costs in Australia 

Australia has an excellent public transportation system that might help you keep your travel costs to a minimal. Trains and buses are the cheapest traveling choices in Australia. Additionally, if you live on campus, you may be able to use transportation provided by your university. 

A bus ticket costs an average of AUD 3. If you need to travel significantly, you may also get a day pass for AUD 8. A cab ride costs approximately AUD 4, depending on the distance traveled. Overall, travel costs contribute AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week of an international student’s overall living expenses. 

 

Food and recreation costs  

Food is expensive in Australia and makes for a large portion of your living expenditures as an international student. If you eat out, the typical cost of a lunch might range from AUD 18 and AUD 80, depending on where you go. If you intend to cook, the average monthly grocery shop item bill will be between AUD 500 and AUD 1000. 

Your typical cost of living in Australia also includes costs for recreational activities like movies, pubs, etc.