Cost of Living in Australia - Travel and Accommodation for International Students

Highlights -

Accommodation- Student accommodation covers most of the living expenses in Melbourne, which range from 450 AUD to 1200 AUD per month. The accommodation rent depends on the type of accommodation you are choosing to stay in.
University Accommodation- The average monthly rent will be around 230 to 650 AUD for the university accommodations.
Transport - Public transport in Australia is very affordable with fares ranging from 5 AUD to 60 AUD. You can also avail of discounts for transportation in various Australian cities.
Food - Having self-cooked meals in Australia reduces much of the living expenses in Australia for international students. The average cost of basic groceries ranges from 2 to 10 AUD.
Entertainment - Leisure activities, movies, sports, and gym membership are also included in the life expenses in Australia which will amount to around 80 AUD monthly.
Cities - The living expenses in Australia Sydney are the highest than in other cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. Their cost of living falls in the range of 1200 AUD to 1350 AUD, whereas Sydney’s cost of living is 1421 AUD, monthly.

The average living expenses in Australia range between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 every month. All the expenditures include food, accommodation, social activities, utilities, and so on. However, you should keep in mind that the monthly cost of living majorly depends on your lifestyle. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide are some of the most expensive cosmopolitan towns in Australia. Hence, the cost of living here can be on a bit higher side.

According to a report from the Australian Government Department of Education on the spending and income of international students, the median yearly expenditure amounted to AUD 42884.89
On average, the total cost of living in Australia is 231% higher than in India. The rent prices in India are 17,139.06 INR (307.81 AUD). whereas, the rent prices in Australia are expensive at 2,227.53 AUD (124,032.02 INR). Hence, the rent in Australia is 623.7% higher than in India.
If you are an international student, the monthly living expenses in Australia without rent would be 1674 AUD (93,223 INR)

Table of Content

Types of Living Expenses
Accommodation Costs
Cost of Living: Student Cities
FAQs

Types of Living Expenses in Australia

The living expenses in Australia for international students are determined by their accommodation choices and how often they explore the area. As an international student, you'll need around 2,000 AUD per month to cover your travel and dining expenses.

Food Expenses

Monthly living cost Australia international students include food, and it can be more affordable if you cook your meals rather than dining at expensive restaurants regularly. Eating out frequently can significantly raise your costs. Here is the list of the prices of basic groceries and food items -

Items	Prices (AUD)	Prices (INR)
Milk ( 1 liter)	2.32	128.94
Loaf of fresh bread (500g)	3.76	208.97
White rice (1 kg)	3.26	181.18
Eggs (12)	6.12	340.14
Local cheese (1 kg)	15.11	839.78
Chicken Fillet ( 1kg)	12.92	718.92
Apples (1kg)	4.84	269
Banana (1kg)	4.04	224.54
Oranges (1 kg)	4.60	255.66
Tomato (1 kg)	6.69	371.82
Potato (1 kg)	3.69	205.08
Onion (1 kg)	3.28	177.85
Water (1.5 liter)	2.56	142.28
Wine (mid-range)	20.00	1111.56
Domestic beer (0.5 liters)	7.35	418.50
Cigarettes (20 pack)	45.00	2501.01

Note: 1AUD = 55.58 INR, as of 4th June, 2024

Transportation Cost

You can use public transport, which is highly practical and has excellent connections throughout the city. Compared to using taxis, using the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be very affordable.

Below are some important insights into reducing the average cost of public transport in various Australian cities. This includes key details about discounts and other strategies.

Canberra: Discounts are accessible through the MyWay Card, and in some cases, certain passengers may qualify for free travel. A MyWay Adult Card for a single trip costs approximately AUD 3.14.
Sydney: Opal Card discounts apply to trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. The cost of an Adult Opal Card ranges from AUD 3.5 to AUD 7, depending on the mode of transportation.
Melbourne: Travelers using the SmartRider card can check with the bus driver for potential transport concessions. The card's cost varies from AUD 2 to AUD 11, depending on the traveler, and students may be eligible for discounts.

The table below provides the monthly transportation cost in Australia -

Transportation	Average cost(AUD)	Average cost (INR)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	5.00	277.89
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	168	9337
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	5.50	305.68
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	2.50	138.95
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	60	3334
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.89	105.04

Note: 1AUD = 55.58 INR, as of 4th June, 2024

Utilities Expenses

The cost of utilities in Australia can vary significantly depending on where you live and how much you use. The bills for electricity, water, internet etc are important and should be paid on time.

Utilities	Average monthly costs (AUD)	Average Monthly costs (INR)
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	82.08	4561.85
Basic Utilities such as Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage, etc	307.84	17,109
Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local	0.10-1	561.34
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	41.47	2304.82

Note: 1AUD = 55.58 INR, as of 4th June, 2024

Entertainment Expenses

Being an international student in a country like Australia, you'll likely find that entertainment and recreational activities come with relatively higher prices. Even if you manage to restrain your shopping impulses, you can still expect to spend approximately 80 AUD on monthly shopping expenses and entertainment activities in Australia.

Activities	Average cost (AUD)	Average costs (INR)
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	119.94	6666.03
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M)	85.80	4768.60
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	167.57	9313.21
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	179.75	9990.16
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	78.26	4347
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	21.25	1180
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	25.65	1424,98

Note: 1AUD = 55.58 INR, as of 4th June, 2024

Accommodation Costs of Top Universities in Australia

The top universities in Australia offer many types of accommodations, varying in size, facilities, and locations. The average range of rent is 110-280 AUD (6,190 to 15,700 INR), but that at different universities is tabulated below. Note that you may have to pay some amount in advance to secure a seat.

University	Accommodation Cost (AUD)	Equivalent Cost (INR)
Australian National University	232 to 473	13,000 to 26,600
University of Sydney	155 to 460	8,720 to 25,880
University of Melbourne	308 to 745	17,330 to 41,900
University of New South Wales	125 to 734	7,030 to 41,280
University of Queensland	380 to 644	21,370 to 36,200

Student Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Australia is influenced by your choice of location and type. If you're an international student pursuing higher education, your monthly rent is a significant portion of your overall living expenses, depending on your choice of on-campus or off-campus housing. Numerous choices for accommodation are available to you, such as hall of residence shared housing, and local homestays. The hall of residence is the most well-liked option for international students.

Types of accommodation	Monthly Rent (AUD)	Monthly Rent (INR)
Homestays	AUD 450 - AUD 1,200	25,010-66,693
Shared Apartments	AUD 650 - AUD 950	36,125 - 52,799
Hall of Residence	AUD 440 - AUD 1,100	24,445- 61,135
Apartments	AUD 650 - AUD 950	36,125– 52,799

Note: 1AUD = 55.58 INR, as of 4th June, 2024

Off-Campus Accommodation in Australia

Universities generally help students find cheap accommodation in Australia outside campus if they do not get a room on campus. There are temporary housing facilities like hostels and hotels that you can stay in until you find a long-term arrangement. These residences cost around 360 to 600 AUD (20,200 to 33,700 INR) per month, so it is best to arrange for accommodation before coming to Australia. The types of stay and the expected house rent for students are:

A shared rental can be an apartment or a room and can cost 380 to 860 AUD (21,380 to 48,370 INR) per week
Individual rentals are significantly costlier, with rent being 740 to 1760 AUD (41,000 to 99,000 INR) per week
Younger undergraduate students may prefer living with a host family. The cost of living at a homestay comes to 940 to 1,300 AUD (52,800 to 73,130 INR) per week

Most of these are fully furnished and inclusive of utility costs.

On-Campus Accommodation in Australia

It is normal in Australia for on-campus accommodation to be fully furnished, and the rent to be inclusive of most amenities, like:

Laundry
Internet
Electricity
Water

You can choose between catered and self-catered accommodation, and single rooms and double rooms. Residential colleges have entirely on-campus housing, giving students a more memorable experience complete with activities and bonding sessions at the residence.

Cost of Living in Australia: Student Cities

The cost of living in Australia depends on which city you are living in. Some of the most popular student cities and their respective costs are given below:

City	Cost of Living Per Month (AUD)	Accommodation Per Month (AUD)
Melbourne	1,321	1,425 to 1,762
Sydney	1,421	1,885 to 2,611
Brisbane	1,342	1,228 to 1,634
Canberra	1,270	1,504 to 1,937
Perth	1,306	1,057 to 1,486

You can manage the living expenses in australia Melbourne further by going for student discounts which can be availed using your Student ID card at most retail stores. When it comes to food and groceries, you can also save a lot of money by shopping at local markets. You are allowed to work in Australia with a student visa, and getting a part-time job will definitely help international students handle the cost of living in Australia.

FAQs

Ques. What are the major expenses I should consider when calculating my cost of living in Australia?

Ans. Major expenses include accommodation (rent or mortgage), groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and leisure activities.

Ques. Is housing expensive in Australia?

Ans. Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the city or region you choose to live in. Generally, major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

Ques. How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Australia?

Ans. Rental prices vary based on location and the type of accommodation. On average, you can expect to pay around AUD 350 to AUD 800 per week for a one-bedroom apartment in major cities.

Ques. Are there affordable housing options in Australia?

Ans. Yes, there are affordable housing options available, particularly in suburban areas or smaller cities. You may also consider shared accommodation to reduce costs.

Ques. What is the average monthly cost of groceries for a single person in Australia?

Ans. The average monthly cost of groceries for a single person in Australia ranges from AUD 300 to AUD 600, depending on dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Ques. How much does transportation cost in Australia?

Ans. Transportation costs vary depending on your location and mode of transport. Public transportation fares in major cities typically range from AUD 3 to AUD 6 per trip, while owning a car incurs additional expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Ques. Are healthcare expenses high in Australia?

Ans. Australia has a public healthcare system (Medicare), which provides access to free or subsidized healthcare services for Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, some medical services and treatments may incur out-of-pocket expenses or require private health insurance.

Ques. What are the average utility costs in Australia?

Ans. Utility costs include electricity, water, gas, and internet. On average, a single person can expect to pay around AUD 200 to AUD 400 per month for utilities, depending on usage and location.

Ques. Are there any additional costs associated with living in Australia as an expatriate?

Expatriates may incur additional costs such as visa fees, international money transfers, travel expenses, and potential currency exchange fluctuations.

Ques. How much does leisure and entertainment cost in Australia?

Ans, Leisure and entertainment costs vary depending on individual preferences. Activities such as dining out, going to the movies, or attending cultural events can range from affordable to expensive, with prices varying across different cities and regions.

Ques. Do I need to budget for education expenses in Australia?

Ans. If you have children, you may need to budget for education expenses such as school fees, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Australia offers both public and private schooling options, each with its own associated costs.

Ques. How can I manage my cost of living in Australia effectively?

Ans. To manage your cost of living effectively, create a detailed budget, track your expenses, explore cost-saving strategies such as cooking at home, using public transportation, and comparing prices before making purchases. Additionally, consider seeking financial advice to optimize your finances and savings while living in Australia.