Cost of Living in Australia 2025: Expenses, Average Costs, and Tips

Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Feb 4, 2025

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The average cost of living in Australia for international students is AUD 29,710 per year, with some students spending over AUD 40,000, depending on location. This amounts to about AUD 1,200 per week. For context, a family of four's monthly expenses (excluding rent) are around INR 311,836 (AUD 5,766), while a single person's costs are INR 87,829 (AUD 1,624). Overall, the cost of living in Australia is 217.8% higher than in India, with rent being 509.4% more expensive.

By the end of this blog, you will know

  • The key factors that contribute to the cost of living in Australia.
  • How to plan and manage your finances effectively while studying in Australia.
  • The cost differences between major cities and regional areas in Australia.

What is the Cost of Living in Australia? Key Highlights

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Australia, including expenses for restaurants, markets, transportation, utilities, and more:

Restaurant

Cost (Australian Dollar)

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

25.00 A$

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

120.00 A$

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

15.00 A$

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)

11.00 A$

Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)

11.00 A$

Cappuccino (regular)

5.34 A$

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)

4.09 A$

Water (0.33 litre bottle)

3.35 A$

Markets

Milk (regular), (1 litre)

2.34 A$

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

3.77 A$

Rice (white), (1kg)

3.22 A$

Eggs (regular) (12)

6.46 A$

Local Cheese (1kg)

14.06 A$

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

13.01 A$

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

21.53 A$

Apples (1kg)

4.86 A$

Banana (1kg)

4.18 A$

Oranges (1kg)

4.44 A$

Tomato (1kg)

6.51 A$

Potato (1kg)

3.75 A$

Onion (1kg)

3.27 A$

Lettuce (1 head)

3.36 A$

Water (1.5 litre bottle)

2.38 A$

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

20.00 A$

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle)

7.02 A$

Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)

7.79 A$

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

46.00 A$

Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

4.72 A$

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

161.55 A$

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.50 A$

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

2.70 A$

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

58.00 A$

Gasoline (1 litre)

1.84 A$

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

44,423.00 A$

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

34,702.32 A$

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

279.27 A$

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

41.66 A$

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

82.26 A$

Sports And Leisure

 

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

74.08 A$

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

25.61 A$

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

22.00 A$

Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2,417.34 A$

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

19,076.66 A$

Clothing And Shoes

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

114.06 A$

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

81.12 A$

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

159.79 A$

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

175.61 A$

Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2,143.51 A$

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1,699.84 A$

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3,510.80 A$

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2,619.62 A$

Buy Apartment Price

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre

10,543.75 A$

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

7,780.49 A$

Salaries And Financing

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

5,600.78 A$

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.38

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What is the Cost of Living in Australia Per Month?

The average monthly cost of living in Australia, excluding rent, ranges from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500. This covers basic living expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare. The cost can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. 

Below is the monthly accommodation costs in Australia (excluding rent):

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

City-Wise Cost of Living in Australia Per Month

The cost of living in Australia can vary greatly depending on the city. Below is a simplified table showing the monthly living expenses for each major city:

Australian City

Cost of Living per Month (AUD)

Cost of Living per Month (INR)

Canberra

4,310

₹2,44,593

Sydney

3,982

₹2,25,979

Melbourne

3,778

₹2,14,402

Perth

3,774

₹2,14,175

Brisbane

3,726

₹2,11,451

Hobart

3,614

₹2,05,095

Adelaide

3,502

₹1,98,739

Darwin

3,486

₹1,97,831

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Cost of Living in Major Australian Cities

Here is a simplified breakdown of the average cost of living in popular Australian cities for students, bachelors, couples, and families:

Sydney:

Area of Expense

Students

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

AUD 650–1,000

AUD 1,997

AUD 2,000–3,500

AUD 3,759

Food and Groceries

AUD 754

AUD 863

AUD 150–250/week

AUD 2,215

Transportation

AUD 160

AUD 626

AUD 60–120/week

AUD 1,626

Utilities

AUD 190

AUD 177

AUD 200–300

AUD 273

Entertainment

AUD 50–100

AUD 50–100

AUD 100–200/week

AUD 300–800

Melbourne:

Area of Expense

Students

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

AUD 800–1,200

AUD 1,334

AUD 1,800–3,200

AUD 2,155

Food and Groceries

AUD 500–600

AUD 566

AUD 140–220/week

AUD 1,450

Transportation

AUD 160

AUD 315

AUD 50–100/week

AUD 803

Utilities

AUD 220

AUD 121

AUD 180–270

AUD 181

Entertainment

AUD 80–140

AUD 80–140

AUD 90–170/week

AUD 120–480

Perth:

Area of Expense

Students

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

AUD 300–800

AUD 1,713

AUD 1,500–2,800

AUD 2,740

Food and Groceries

AUD 696

AUD 872

AUD 120–200/week

AUD 2,216

Transportation

AUD 168

AUD 385

AUD 45–90/week

AUD 997

Utilities

AUD 147

AUD 204

AUD 160–240

AUD 327

Entertainment

AUD 50–100

AUD 100–200

AUD 80–150/week

AUD 300–500

Brisbane:

Area of Expense

Students

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

AUD 840–2,000

AUD 1,858

AUD 1,800–3,000

AUD 2,555

Food and Groceries

AUD 560–1,120

AUD 851

AUD 140–220/week

AUD 2,180

Transportation

AUD 90–120

AUD 388

AUD 50–100/week

AUD 998

Utilities

AUD 170–215

AUD 175

AUD 180–270

AUD 257

Entertainment

AUD 80–100

AUD 100–150

AUD 90–170/week

AUD 300–400

Canberra:

Area of Expense

Students

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

AUD 400–500/week

AUD 1,400–2,600

AUD 1,900–3,300

AUD 3,000–5,200

Food and Groceries

AUD 100–150/week

AUD 95–145/week

AUD 145–230/week

AUD 230–360/week

Transportation

AUD 4.80/day

AUD 40–70/week

AUD 60–120/week

AUD 100–200/week

Utilities

AUD 20–50/week

AUD 150–200/month

AUD 200–300/month

AUD 300–450/month

Entertainment

AUD 40–80/week

AUD 75–150/week

AUD 100–200/week

AUD 150–300/week

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Average Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

Here is the average monthly living expenses for international students in Australia:

Expense

Cost Range (AUD)

Accommodation

AUD 800 - AUD 2,000

Food and Groceries

AUD 280 - AUD 480

Transportation

AUD 75 - AUD 216

Utilities

AUD 270 - AUD 490

Entertainment

AUD 100 - AUD 120

Personal Expenses

AUD 80 - AUD 90

How is the Living Cost in Australia for International Students Calculated?

When planning to study in Australia, international students need to consider various expenses that make up the total cost of living. These expenses typically include the following:

1. Tuition Costs

Fees for the academic program.

2. Accommodation Costs

Rent or homestay expenses.

3. Travel Costs

Public transportation, travel within Australia, and to/from home country.

4. Health Insurance Costs

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for international students.

5. Utility Costs

Charges for electricity, water, and gas.

6. Entertainment Costs

Expenses for activities like movies, sports, and leisure.

7. Personal Expenses

Miscellaneous costs such as clothing, toiletries, etc.

8. Food and Groceries

Daily meals, snacks, and supplies.

Accommodation Costs in Australia for International StudentsAccommodation is one of the largest monthly expenses for international students in Australia. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various types of accommodation, such as homestays, residence halls, apartments, or shared housing.

 Here is a breakdown of typical accommodation costs for international students:

Accommodation Type

Cost Range (AUD)

In-home care (Homestay)

AUD 450 - AUD 1,200

Residence Halls

AUD 440 - AUD 1,100

Apartment Rental

AUD 750 - AUD 1,700

Shared Rental (House/Apartment)

AUD 380 - AUD 850

Food & Grocery Costs in Australia for International Students

Food is another essential part of your living expenses. Cooking your meals at home can be a cost-effective way to save money compared to dining out. Supermarkets across Australia provide a wide range of ingredients for home cooking.

Here’s a table showing the average prices for common grocery items:

Grocery Product

Average Cost (AUD)

White Rice (1 kg)

AUD 3.60

White Fat Milk (1 Litre)

AUD 2.02

Apples (1 kg)

AUD 5.20

Oranges (1 kg)

AUD 2.60

Tomatoes (1 kg)

AUD 6.00

Water (1.5 Litres)

AUD 2.40

Bread (loaf)

AUD 3.41

Potatoes (1 kg)

AUD 3.81

Lettuce (1 piece)

AUD 5.50

Cheese (500 gm)

AUD 7.70

Bananas (1 kg)

AUD 4.50

Fast Food Combo Meal

AUD 15.00

Eggs (12)

AUD 8.00

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Average Cost of Living in Australia for Bachelors, Couples & Families

Understanding the cost of living is essential for budgeting, whether you're a student, a couple, or a family. The following table provides an overview of typical expenses for different living arrangements in Australia:

Area of Expense

Bachelors

Couples

Families

Accommodation

City Centre: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,000/month

Suburban Areas: AUD 1,200 - AUD 1,800/month

City Centre: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,200/month

Suburban Areas: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,200/month

City Centre: AUD 3,000 - AUD 5,000/month

Suburban Areas: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,500/month

Food & Groceries

AUD 80 - AUD 150/week

AUD 150 - AUD 250/week

AUD 200 - AUD 350/week

Transportation

AUD 30 - AUD 60/week

AUD 50 - AUD 100/week

AUD 150 - AUD 250/week

Utilities

AUD 150 - AUD 200/month

AUD 180 - AUD 250/month

AUD 250 - AUD 400/month

Entertainment

AUD 50 - AUD 150/week

AUD 100 - AUD 200/week

AUD 150 - AUD 300/week

Personal Expenses

AUD 50 - AUD 150/week

AUD 100 - AUD 200/week

AUD 150 - AUD 300/week

Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students

As an Indian student, let us discuss in detail each element of the living expenses in Australia. These elements together make up the cost of living in Australia and each of them have a different significance altogether. 

1. Cost of Studying in Australia

Australia is an attractive destination for international students, with some of the world’s top universities and institutions. The cost of studying varies based on the university, course level, and program. Here is the estimated tuition fee for Indian students after 12th:

Institution

Cost of Studying (INR)

Australian Universities

UG: ₹4 L to ₹2 Cr

PG: ₹3 L to ₹2 Cr

Doctorate: ₹83 L

TAFE Institutions

₹2.21 Lakhs - ₹12.18 Lakhs

ELICOS Offering Institutions

₹16,650 (per week)

Tuition fees vary depending on the program and university.

Indicative Annual Fees:

Degree

Annual Fees (AUD)

School

$7,800 to $30,000

Vocational Education & Training

$4,000 to $22,000

Undergraduate Degree

$15,000 to $33,000

Postgraduate Master’s Degree

$20,000 to $37,000

Doctoral Degree

$14,000 to $37,000

2. Accommodation Costs in Australia

Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of accommodation and its location:

Type of Accommodation

Monthly Cost (AUD)

On-campus dormitory

AUD 800 - AUD 1,400

Shared apartment

AUD 600 - AUD 1,200

Homestay

AUD 1,000 - AUD 1,400

Studio apartment

AUD 1,200 - AUD 2,000

3. Cost of Travelling in Australia

Transportation costs are an essential part of living expenses:

Transportation

Cost (AUD)

Single bus/train ticket

AUD 10

Monthly transport pass

AUD 100 - AUD 200

Domestic flight (one-way)

AUD 200 - AUD 300

Car rental (per day)

AUD 50 - AUD 100

On average, students may spend around AUD 300 - AUD 400 per month on transportation.

4. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

International students or Indian students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia. Here's a look at the costs for health insurance:

OHSC Providers

Annual Cost (AUD)

CBHS

AUD 1,160.70

AHM OHSC

AUD 1,214

NIB

AUD 1,305.16

Medi Bank

AUD 1,319

Allianz Care

AUD 1,324

Bupa

AUD 1,405

Cost of Healthcare Services in Australia:

Healthcare Service

Cost (AUD)

General Practitioner Visit

AUD 90 - AUD 100

Specialist Consultation

AUD 130 - AUD 230

Prescription Medication

AUD 25 - AUD 35

Dental Treatment

AUD 300 - AUD 500

Physiotherapy Session

AUD 50 - AUD 200

Eye Test

AUD 60 - AUD 80

Hospital Admission

AUD 500 - AUD 1,000

Emergency Room Visit

AUD 500 - AUD 1,000

X-ray

AUD 200 - AUD 400

Mental Health Consultation

AUD 100 - AUD 200

5. Utility Costs in Australia

Utility costs (electricity, gas, water, and internet) are essential for students living off-campus:

Utility

Monthly Cost (AUD)

Electricity

AUD 80 - AUD 150

Gas

AUD 50 - AUD 100

Water

AUD 50 - AUD 80

Internet

AUD 60 - AUD 100

Mobile Phone

AUD 30 - AUD 60

Students living on campus may not need to worry about these utilities except for mobile and internet bills.

6. Entertainment Expenses in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of entertainment options. Students can expect to spend:

Activity

Cost (AUD)

Entertainment (monthly)

AUD 100 - AUD 120

Australia's beaches, clubs, and nature reserves offer numerous options for outdoor and urban entertainment.

7. Personal Expenses in Australia

Personal expenses are subjective but can typically range from:

Expense Type

Cost (AUD)

Weekly Personal Expenses

AUD 70 - AUD 80

8. Food and Groceries Cost in Australia

The cost of food and groceries can vary, but here are some general costs:

Food/Grocery Item

Cost (AUD)

Milk (1 litre)

AUD 1.5 - AUD 2.5

Bread (loaf)

AUD 2.5 - AUD 4

Rice (1 kg)

AUD 2 - AUD 4

Eggs (dozen)

AUD 4 - AUD 6

Chicken (1 kg)

AUD 9 - AUD 12

Apples (1 kg)

AUD 4 - AUD 6

Bananas (1 kg)

AUD 3 - AUD 5

Tomatoes (1 kg)

AUD 4 - AUD 7

Cheese (500g)

AUD 5 - AUD 8

Coffee (200g)

AUD 5 - AUD 8

Restaurant Meal (inexpensive)

AUD 15 - AUD 25

Fast Food Combo Meal

AUD 10 - AUD 15

Average Rent in Australia

Rent prices in Australia can vary significantly depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of accommodation. 

Here is the rental prices across major and regional areas:

City/Area

Average Monthly Rent (AUD)

Accommodation Type

Sydney (Central Location)

AUD 1,800 - AUD 2,500

One-bedroom apartment with ensuite bathroom

Melbourne (Central Location)

AUD 1,800 - AUD 2,500

One-bedroom apartment with ensuite bathroom

Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane

AUD 1,400 - AUD 2,000

One-bedroom apartment (suburban areas)

Regional Areas & Small Towns

AUD 1,000 - AUD 1,500

One-bedroom apartment or shared accommodation

The rental market is competitive, and prices are influenced by factors such as the property type, proximity to public transport, and demand in the area. For those looking to save on rent, regional areas and smaller towns offer more affordable options.

Cost of Living in Australia for Students: Public vs Private University Tuition Fees

The cost of living for students in Australia can vary depending on whether they attend a public or private university. Public universities are funded by the state government or subsidies, while private universities are funded by investors and have higher tuition fees.

Here is a comparison of average annual tuition fees for both types of universities:

University Name

Type of University

Average Annual Fees

University of Melbourne

Public

31,870 AUD (INR 17,57,000)

University of New South Wales

Public

23,140 AUD (INR 12,76,000)

University of Sydney

Public

44,500 AUD (INR 24,54,000) 

The University of Queensland

Public

34,960 AUD (INR 19,28,000)

Australian National University

Public

31,628 AUD (INR 17,44,000) 

Bond University

Private

43,200 AUD (INR 23,82,000) 

Carnegie Mellon University

Private

58,000 AUD (INR 31,98,000)

Torrents University

Private

34,480 AUD (INR 19,01,000)

Avolande University

Private

34,736 AUD (INR 19,15,000)

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Cost of Living in Australia: Final Calculation

Australia is known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and stable economy. However, as a student, the most important factor to consider is the cost of living. 

Here’s an overall monthly expenses in Australia:

Cost of Living in Australia

Monthly Expenses (In AUD)

Accommodation 

AUD 800 - AUD 2,500

Travel

AUD 300 - AUD 400

OHSC Cover 

AUD 118

Utility Cost

AUD 270 - 490

Entertainment

AUD 100 - AUD 120

Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses

AUD 80 - AUD 90

Groceries & Food

AUD 65 - AUD 103

Total = AUD 1,733 - 3,202 (INR 96,576 - INR 1,78,441)

Cost of Living in Australia: City Ranking and Price Index

Here is a ranking of major cities in Australia based on their cost of living, with their respective price indexes:

Ranking

City

Price Index 

1st

Sydney

181

2nd

Melbourne

169

3rd

Brisbane

158

4th

Perth

156

5th

Adelaide

143

6th

Canberra

138

7th

Darwin

129

8th

Cairns

125

9th

Newcastle, Australia

124

10th

Wollongong

114

11th

Townsville

102

Cost of Living in Australia: Cheapest Student Cities 

The cost of living for students in Australia can vary depending on the city. Here are the top six most affordable cities for students:

Name of the city

Average cost of living per week

City of Adelaide, South Australia

AUD$ 377

Darwin, Australia Northern Territory

AUD$ 443

Perth, Western Australia

AUD$ 449

Hobart, Tasmania

AUD$ 475

Gold Coast, Queensland

AUD$ 482

Brisbane, Queensland

AUD$ 485

Canberra, The Australian Capital Territory

AUD$ 509

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Australia

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of living in Australia, and understanding these can help you plan better. Here are the key factors:

1. Location

The cost of living in Australia can vary significantly based on your location. Urban areas, such as Sydney and Melbourne, are known for their higher cost of living due to high demand and limited space. In contrast, regional areas tend to be more affordable but may offer fewer amenities and services.

2. Lifestyle

Your personal lifestyle choices have a direct impact on your living expenses. For example, dining out regularly, spending on leisure activities, and entertainment can all add to your overall cost of living.

3. Housing

Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are one of the most significant expenses in Australia. Rental prices vary by city, with larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne having higher rental costs compared to smaller towns or regional areas.

4. Transportation

Transportation costs can also vary. Public transportation is generally affordable in major cities, making commuting easier for city dwellers. However, owning a car can significantly increase your expenses, especially considering fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

5. Utilities and Groceries

Utility costs, including electricity, water, and internet, can fluctuate based on the region and your consumption. Groceries can be more expensive in remote areas due to transportation costs for goods, while urban areas may offer more variety and competitive pricing.

How Much Do People Earn in Australia? Average Salaries by Profession

As of 2024, the average income in Australia is approximately AUD 92,000 per year. The income needed to live comfortably varies based on your circumstances such as lifestyle, city, and household composition. Below is the income required for different living situations:

Living Situation

Annual Income Required (in AUD)

Student

AUD 25,000 - AUD 35,000 (Sufficient for students to manage living expenses)

Single (Bachelor)

AUD 50,000 - AUD 70,000 ( To live comfortably in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne)

Couple (Combined)

AUD 80,000 - AUD 120,000 (To cover essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment)

Family (4 members)

AUD 120,000 - AUD 180,000 (To manage all living costs effectively)

Income by Job Profiles

The following table outlines the average salary for various job profiles in Australia:

Job Profile

Average Salary (in AUD)

Neurosurgeon

AUD 389,942 - AUD 1,023,102

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

AUD 400,000 - AUD 204,000

Anaesthetist

AUD 380,000

Financial Analyst

AUD 300,000

Head of HR/HR Director

AUD 300,000

Legal Professionals

AUD 200,000

Construction Manager

AUD 175,000

Mining Engineer

AUD 180,000

Financial Investment Advisor

AUD 160,000

Pilot

AUD 160,000

Software Architect

AUD 150,000

Project Manager

AUD 116,000

Architect

AUD 109,000

Civil Engineer

AUD 88,800

Teacher

AUD 74,800

Registered Nurse

AUD 72,600

Accountant

AUD 66,100

Secretary

AUD 43,800

How Expensive is Australia Compared to Other Countries?

Australia is known for its higher cost of living, ranking above 87% of countries worldwide. However, this is balanced by excellent healthcare, high wages, and social services. 

Here's a quick comparison of the cost of living in Australia compared to other major cities:

City

Accommodation (1BHK)

Transportation (Monthly)

Meal for 2 People

Miscellaneous Expenses

Sydney

AUD 2,255.23

AUD 160

AUD 120

AUD 50 - 100

New York

$2,960

$132

$130

$200+

London

£1,100

£177

£80

£200 - £300

Singapore

S$2,000 - 4,000

S$1,000 - 1,500

S$92.50

S$200 - 400

Dubai

AED 4,904

AED 300

AED 300

AED 600

Tokyo

¥150,000 - 200,000

¥10,000 - 15,000

¥7,125

¥10,000 - 15,000

Berlin

€800 - 1,200

€80 - €90

€70

€100 - 200

Shanghai

CNY 3,785

CNY 250

CNY 200

CNY 440

Average Cost of Living in Australia vs US

When planning to study abroad, students typically have two accommodation options: on-campus or off-campus. On-campus accommodation can help reduce overall living costs. 

Here’s a comparison of the average monthly living expenses in Australia and the US, based on both off-campus and on-campus accommodation options.

Items

Monthly Cost in Australia

Monthly Cost in the US

Off-Campus Accommodation

AUD 800 (USD 512)

USD 525

On-Campus Accommodation

AUD 1,754 (USD 1,122.56)

USD 871

Transportation

AUD 150 (USD 96)

USD 70

Food Cost

AUD 780 (USD 499.2)

USD 527

Utility Cost

AUD 205 (USD 131.2)

USD 180

Entertainment

AUD 80 (USD 51.2)

USD 48

Groceries

AUD 68 (USD 43.52)

USD 52

Clothes

AUD 153 (USD 97.92)

USD 102

Total Cost with Off-Campus Accommodation

AUD 2,236 (USD 1,431.04)

USD 1,504

Total Cost with On-Campus Accommodation

AUD 3,190 (USD 2,041.6)

USD 1,850

Annual Cost of Living

AUD 26,832 (USD 17,172.48)

USD 18,048

Tips to Save Money in Australia 

Living in Australia can be costly, but there are several strategies to help reduce expenses:

1. Choose Your Location Wisely: 

The cost of living can vary significantly based on the state and university you choose. Research locations that offer lower living costs.

2. Avoid Bank Exchange Fees: 

Converting money into Australian dollars may incur additional fees from banks. Consider using trustworthy money exchange services within the country to avoid extra charges.

3. Cut Down on Everyday Expenses: 

Reduce costs by adopting simple habits like turning off electrical appliances when not in use, cooking meals at home, and using public transportation or cycling instead of owning a car.

4. Part-Time Jobs: 

Taking on part-time work can provide extra income to cover living expenses.

5. Apply for Scholarships: 

Many universities offer scholarships to help offset the high costs of living and tuition. Check with your institution for available options.

The cost of living in Australia varies based on location, lifestyle, and personal choices. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to be more expensive, while regional areas offer more affordable options. By considering factors such as accommodation, food, utilities, and entertainment, students can effectively manage their expenses and make the most of their time in Australia.

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Marks Based Approval

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FAQ for Cost of Living in Australia

How long will $5,000 last in Australia?

A budget of $5,000 AUD can last around 3 months if you're traveling on a strict budget, spending approximately $60 AUD per day.

What are the yearly living expenses in Australia for international students in 2025?

The average cost of living for international students in Australia is around AUD 29,710 annually, but it can exceed AUD 40,000 depending on your lifestyle and location.

Is Australia still a good place to live?

Yes, Australia ranks high globally for quality of life, healthcare, education, and economic freedom, making it a great place to live. It also has a strong job market with 73% of the population aged 15 to 64 employed.

Is Australia expensive for Indians?

On average, Indian students need about ₹76,405 per month for expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation, though costs can vary based on location and lifestyle.

How much bank balance is required for an Australian student visa in 2024?

For the student visa, the required bank balance is AUD 29,710 as of May 2024. If you're applying with a partner or spouse, you'll need an additional AUD 10,394.

How much money should I save before moving to Australia?

It's advisable to save at least AUD 15,000 before moving to Australia. This amount can help you settle in and cover your expenses for the first 6-9 months, excluding visa costs.

What is the age limit for studying in Australia?

To apply for an Australian student visa, you need to be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit for the visa, though applicants under 18 may face specific restrictions.

Can a 40-year-old apply for a student visa in Australia?

Yes, individuals of any age can apply for a student visa in Australia, as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Australia?

To live comfortably in Australia, a single person may need an annual income of AUD 70,000 to 80,000, or around AUD 5,800+ per month, depending on location and lifestyle.

How much is rent in Australia?

The average weekly rent in Australia is around AUD 627, which amounts to about AUD 2,715 per month. Rent prices are higher in cities like Sydney, where the median rent can exceed AUD 3,300 per month.

Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?

Generally, Sydney is Australia's most expensive city. Melbourne tends to have lower costs, especially in terms of housing, due to more housing completions per capita.

How much does food cost per day in Australia?

On average, food costs about AUD 35 per day (AU$53), or roughly AUD 140 per week for one person. A typical meal in a restaurant will cost around AUD 14 (AU$21) per person.

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