Cost of Living in Australia for International Students in 2025

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

5 min read

Updated On Jun 03, 2025

The annual average cost of living in Australia for international students is between AUD 28,000 to AUD 34,000. Learn the important details of the cost of living in Australia here and plan your finances accordingly to live your Aussie dream tension-free!

Breakdown of Monthly Living Costs in Australia for International Students
Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students
Cost of Living in Australia by Cities
Health Insurance Costs in Australia for International Students
How to Reduce Your Living Expenses in Australia as an International Student?

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Australia, with its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and high standard of living, is a dream destination for many students aspiring to study abroad. However, before making the move, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living in Australia. As an international student, you can expect the living expenses to be on the higher side. On average, the annual living expenses in Australia can be between AUD 28,000 and AUD 34,000, depending on your lifestyle. This annual expense covers basic necessities, travel, food, and miscellaneous activities.

This article is specially written for international students who are thrilled to experience their Aussie life in no time! Read ahead to learn more about the cost of living in Australia, the budget-friendly institutions to study in, tips to manage living expenses, and much more!

Breakdown of Monthly Living Costs in Australia for International Students

The cost of living in Australia is influenced by several factors, including housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and groceries. On average, the monthly cost of living is projected to be between AUD 5,000 and AUD 6,000 for an Indian student living alone in Australia. It may gradually increase with the increase in the number of family members.

Knowing all about the living expenses in Australia is important for anyone planning to study there. Therefore, the table below shows the breakdown of monthly expenses for an international student.

Expense Category	Average Cost Per Month (in AUD)	Equivalent in INR
Accommodation	297 – 743	16,000 – 41,000
Food & Groceries	208 – 416	11,000 – 22,000
Transportation	44 – 89	2,400 – 5,000
Household Bills	14 – 29	770 – 1,600
Shopping	118 – 223	6,500 – 12,000
Miscellaneous	22 – 29	1,200 – 1,600

Get ready to grab your IELTS band for hassle-free admission to Australian universities!

FREE IELTS Demo!

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students

Studying in Australia usually depends on which university or college you go to. The annual tuition fees for international students can differ a lot, especially for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; the type of course you choose also matters.

We’ve given you a table of the average yearly international student tuition fees for each type of study in Australia based on the top cities list we provided you before.

City	UG Cost (in AUD)	PG Cost (in AUD)	PhD Cost (in AUD)
Sydney	34,000 – 49,000	35,000 – 52,000	38,000 – 55,000
Melbourne	30,000 – 47,000	31,000 – 46,000	33,000 – 48,000
Brisbane	30,000 – 45,000	31,000 – 48,000	33,000 – 50,000
Perth	28,000 – 42,000	29,000 – 43,000	31,000 – 45,000
Adelaide	27,000 – 41,000	28,000 – 42,000	30,000 – 44,000

Cost of Living in Australia by Cities

Australia is known for its high quality of life, but this often comes with a high cost of living. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive, while other cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide offer more affordable living options. Understanding the living cost in Australia for international students is crucial.

Here’s a detailed comparison of living costs in Australia by cities to help you effectively.

Major Australian Student-friendly Cities	Approx. Monthly Living Expenses (in AUD)
Sydney	3,800
Melbourne	3,000
Brisbane	2,700
Adelaide	2,500
Perth	2,000

Check out – Universities in Australia accepting IELTS Score 6

Living Cost in Sydney vs Melbourne

Sydney and Melbourne are two of the most popular cities in Australia for both living and studying. Sydney is often considered more expensive than Melbourne, particularly in terms of rent and dining out.

The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne can vary significantly based on various factors, like accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Here’s a brief overview and a comparative table to help you understand the costs in these two major Australian cities.

Expense Category	Sydney (in AUD)	Melbourne (in AUD)
Housing and Utilities	3,224	2,300
Public Transport	193	156
Private Transport	32,000	30,000
Food and Drink (per meal)	20 – 40	15 – 25
Entertainment	41	40
Personal Care and Hygiene	63	69
Insurance	250	200
Total Cost (Public Transport)	7,428	2,990

Kickstart your English language proficiency with our band 9 experts now!
Sign up for our FREE IELTS online classes!

Health Insurance Costs in Australia for International Students

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps international students cover medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals. OSHC is a visa requirement and must be maintained for the duration of your student visa. Several providers offer OSHC, including Allianz, Bupa, and Medibank, each with varying costs and coverage options.

Cost Information

Here are the respective costs for OSHC based on a single student policy from various providers:

Duration	Allianz Care Australia (in AUD)	Bupa (in AUD)	Medibank (in AUD)
1 month	70	69	72
3 months	208	200	215
6 months	416	400	430
12 months	768	760	780

These given rates may vary slightly depending on the specific terms and conditions of each insurance provider.

Check out – Universities in Australia accepting IELTS Score for MBA

How to Reduce Your Living Expenses in Australia as an International Student?

Here are the top five tricks from our immigration experts for you to reduce your living costs in Australia as an international student:

Living in a Shared Accommodation: Consider living in shared accommodation to split the rent and utilities, reducing your housing expenses significantly.
Cooking at Home: Prepare your meals at home instead of eating out frequently. This not only saves money but also, allows you to have more control over your diet and stay healthy.
Public Transportation Passes: Invest in a monthly or yearly public transportation pass instead of paying for individual trips. This can save you a good amount on your commuting monthly expenses in Australia.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts: These may offered by various retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues hence, always carry your student ID card to avail of these discounts.
Pick up a Part-Time Work: Sign up for part-time job opportunities to earn extra income.

Pro tip: Many universities have job boards or career centres that can help you find suitable employment options that fit your study schedule. Expand your network to easily find this out in the initial days itself.

We hope all your doubts regarding the average Australia life cost have been cleared very well with this article! Anyhow, it is also important to manage your money well when you’re studying abroad. Make a proper plan for how much you’ll spend each month, and then check it at the end of the month. In this way, you can see where you might be spending too much and figure out how to fix it. Cheers to you, the energetic future Australian student!

Useful Links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia very expensive for Indian students?

Yes, Australia can be relatively expensive for Indian students compared to living costs in India. However, the overall expenses depend on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation chosen.

Is 5000 AUD enough for a month in Australia?

Yes, AUD 5,000 is more than enough for a month in Australia for a student. This amount would comfortably cover rent, groceries, transport, internet, mobile bills, and other essentials, even in major cities. This amount could cover 2 to 3 months of basic living expenses, depending on the student’s lifestyle and location.

What is the minimum cost of living in Australia?

The minimum cost of living in Australia for international students studying is AUD 20,000. However, the overall expenses depend on the cost of living in the Australian city, the selected Australian university, and the amount of money the candidate must spend while studying.

How much is rent in Australia per month for students?

The monthly rent for students in Australia varies depending on the type of accommodation and location. On average, shared apartment costs AUD 600 – 1,200/month, university dormitory (On-campus) costs AUD 800 – 1,500/month, private studio apartment costs AUD 1,200 - 2,000/month and homestays with local families costs AUD 1,000 - 1,400/month (including meals). Living in suburbs or smaller cities generally offers cheaper rent compared to city centers. Sharing an apartment with other students is the most budget-friendly option.

How much do groceries cost per month in Australia for students?

Grocery costs can range from AUD 300 to AUD 600 per month, depending on diet, location, and spending habits. Buying from supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi and cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out regularly.

Can international students work in Australia while studying?

Yes, international students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks) during study periods and unlimited hours during holidays. Many students work part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, or campus services, earning around AUD 20 - 30 per hour, which can help offset living costs.

Which Australian cities are the cheapest for international students?

Some of the more affordable cities for students include Adelaide, Hobart, Gold Coast, Darwin and Wollongong. These cities offer lower rent and living expenses while still hosting reputable universities and institutions.