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Cost of Living in Australia for International & India Students in 2024

Updated on 28 January, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Australia is one of the ideal destinations to study abroad, a hub of immense career opportunities and quality education, with a diverse population. Every year millions of students choose Australia as their study abroad destination for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, seven Australian University has been featured on the list.  However, before moving to the university, students are always concerned about the cost of living in Australia. The article would help the students to gain a better understanding of the living expenses in Australia.

Students should comprehend that the cost of living would vary based on their lifestyle preferences and choices. The average living costs for students hover around AUD 1, 400 and AUD 2, 500 every month encompassing all expenditures including food, accommodation, social activities, utilities, and so on. In Australia, cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide are some of the most expensive cosmopolitan towns.

Important Link : Cost of Living for Studying Abroad

 

Average Living Expenses for International Students in Australia 

Australia is featured in the top 10 in the Human Development Index and in the Quality of Life Index. The country is renowned for its education system, in tandem with purchasing power parity indexes. The following information would make it easier to understand the cost of living in Australia for students. 

Apply Now: Bachelors of Computer Science (Australia)

Cost of Living in Australia for a Family or Student Delineated 

Wondering what is the minimum cost of living in Australia for a student or family? Here’s taking into account cities in Australia with low cost of living and those with skyrocketing costs to arrive at an average threshold. This list of items with costs will help you greatly when it comes to delineating the actual costs that you have to make provisions for. 

1. Average Rent in Australia 

Accommodation varies depending on the region and type of location a student chooses. The more rural regions, in the western and northern Australian states, are comparatively cheaper, whereas modern areas such as Sydney would cost higher. 

Moreover, the cost of living in Australia for students varies based on whether a student decides to live on-campus or off-campus. The former on average would cost a student AUD 440 – 1,100 per month, whereas a shared rental would cost around AUD 380 – 850 per month.

Type of accommodationAverage monthly rent
Homestays AUD 450- AUD 1,200
Halls of residenceAUD 440- AUD 1,100
ApartmentAUD 750- AUD 1,700
Shared apartment AUD 850- AUD 850

2. University Tuition Fee in Australia 

Tuition fees consume the most significant portion of the budget. However, it varies from university to university, location, and the program you have chosen to study. The average tuition fee for bachelor’s degrees is between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 per annum, and for master’s and doctoral programs, the prices range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per annum. 

The fees are pretty high for a medical degree, Master of Business Administration, and other professional degrees. If a student is applying for a scholarship, they will have to pay a lesser amount or get their complete degree sponsored and save money.

UniversityAverage Annual UG Fee (AUD)Average Annual PG Fee (AUD)
University of Melbourne$24,320- $94,944 (100 credit points/year)$46,304 (100 credit points)
Victoria University$20,400 – $23,600$$21,400 – $26,800 (2-semester)
University of New England$19,920 – $25,560$21,800-$26,400 (2-semester)
Western Sydney University$22,000-$29,000 (24 units)$24,280- $29,000 (8 units)
University Adelaide$18,480 – $21,730 $38,000 – $53,000 (per year)

Source: Official University Website

Read More: 20 lakhs reduction in bachelor’s abroad

3. Food Cost in Australia

Apart from knowing the average living cost in Australia, a student should know about the  average food cost in Australia. It is not as exorbitant and here is a list that will be of great help without a doubt: 

Food Item(s)Average Cost (AUD)
1 kg / White Rice$2.64
A Dozen Eggs$5.36
1 Liter of Whole Fat Milk $1.24
Fast Food Combo Meal$12
1 kg / Apples$4.32
500 gr Local Cheese$9
1 kg / Tomatoes$5.08
1.5 Liters of Water$2.20
1 kg / Potatoes$3.35
0.5L Domestic Beer$5.79
1 Bottle of Red Wine$19
Bread (for 2 people)$2.78

4. Transportation Costs in Australia 

As a student, it is important to have an idea about the transportation cost in Australia. The tabulated information would offer students a quick idea.

Type of ExpenseCost (AUD)
One-way local transport ticke$3-6
Taxi Tariff$3.60-7
Gasoline (1 litre)$1.19-1.60
Taxi 1 Km $1.62-3.20

Monthly Pass 

 

 

$90-220.70

5. Average Utilities and Bills Cost 

Students should have a clear idea of the average utilities. Important information has been encapsulated in the following table. 

Type of Expenditure Australia (AUD)
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)$70
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment$200
1 minute of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (Without Discounts Or Plans) $0.10-1

Country-Wise Cost of Living Guides

How Expensive is Australia Compared to Other Countries?

To make an informed decision about which country to study, it is important to look at the various factors. Here is a quick comparison of living expenses in Australia compared to other countries. 

Comparison of Monthy Rental Expenditure (AUD)

Type of Accommodation AustraliaUKUSA South Africa 
1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre$1,800$1,500$ 1,900$ 600
3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre$1,300$1,180$1,500$ 500
3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre$3,000$2,300$ 3,100$ 1,400
1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre$2,000$ 1,863$ 2,500$ 1,100

Whether a student own or rent, they would have to pay for the utilities. Thus, it is paramount to juxtapose these as well. 

Monthly Price Comparison of Internet Usage & Basic Utility (AUD)

Type of Expenditure UKAustralia South Africa
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)$60$70$80
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment$300$200$160

City-Wise Living Expenses in Australia 

Home to a slew of leading universities, Sydney and Melbourne have been consistently ranked among the most student-friendly cities in the world. Melbourne and Sydney have been placed at 6th and 8th positions respectively in the QS Best Student Cities 2022 list.

According to the QS, the best student cities 2022 list compared 115 cities across the world on indicators including affordability, desirability, affordability, diversity, safety, and employment opportunities after graduation. Some of the leading universities in Sydney and Melbourne are the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Deakin University, and others. Apart from this vital information, a student should know living expenses in Australia for international students and the best student cities to make the right choice.

Students should select the right city to stay in during the academic years to avoid extra expenses of travelling. As mentioned above, few towns are costly to live in.  Seven Australian cities are ranked among the top 100 Best Student Cities 2022 by the QS Top Universities.

Best Student Cities in Australia for International Students

Melbourne- 

Melbourne ranked 6th out of 100 cities around the globe. The attractive destination witnesses some of the most diverse communities of students. Some of the best universities in Melbourne are Monash University, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, and more. To survive in Melbourne, you will need around AUD 2,800 to AUD 3,500. 

Sydney– 

Sydney is one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations. The city ranks ninth for employer activity. Some of the best universities in Sydney are the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and more. Sydney is also one of the most expensive cities to live in. The average cost of living in Sydney is around AUD 3,000 to AUD 4,500. 

Brisbane- 

Ranking 29th, Brisbane houses three major universities attracting students worldwide. Universities include Griffith University, University of Queensland, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The high-quality educational institutions and student-friendly facilities offered to make it one of the safest and best cities in the world. The monthly average cost of living in Brisbane is approx AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,000. 

Adelaide–

 Out of the seven, Adelaide has also made its way in the top cities to live in for international students. Several high-ranking universities such as the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia. The fifth-largest city of Australia is known widely for its charm and attractive tourist attractions. Adelaide’s average cost of living is approximately AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,500 per month. 

Perth– 

The city is renowned among students, and it has regularly ranked among the top cities. Housing the University of Western Australia which ranks among the top 100 universities around the globe, a significant portion of international students choose Perth to be their home. The average monthly cost of living in Perth is approx AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,000.

Canberra– 

Housing Australian National University and the University of Canberra, Canberra has proved to be one of the most attractive cities to international students. Ranking 27th in the desirability ratio and 120th in the affordability ratio, the city is safe for students and provides all the welcoming facilities one would need. The average monthly cost of living in Canberra is around AUD 2,700 to AUD 3,500.

Gold Coast– 

Contrary to popular belief, Gold Coast is one of the most amazing places to live in. Called surfers paradise for its beaches, the city also has houses Bond University, Griffith University, and Southern Cross University. The average cost of living on the Gold Coast for international students ranges from AUD 2,300 to AUD 3,000. 

Study in Australia – Important Read
Australian Government ScholarshipAsean Partner Scholarship
Melbourne University Acceptance RateThe Australian National University Acceptance Rate

Tips to Save Money in Australia 

You can always follow some useful tips in order to save more money during your time in Australia. These include the following: 

Prepare a Budget – 

If students are dining out regularly, buying premier and organic items, and shopping for imported items, their bills on food will be quite high in Australia. They can save money on food in Australia with a little planning and they can start by dining out lesser, cutting back on cafes and pub visits, and also planning meals in advance while shopping for local food. It is common to go out for getting some coffee in Australia but bear in mind that every cup will cost you AUD 2.70. A weekly coffee budget will start ballooning up if they keep up these indulgences. Instead, Australia has great beaches and parks where they can carry a picnic basket and coffee along in a flask for some unwinding. Find out ingredients to be used for several meals and account for leftovers. Buy local and seasonal food from farmer’s markets at affordable prices instead of picking up imported items from supermarket chains such as Woolworths and Coles among others. 

Save on electricity costs – 

Australia has some of the world’s most expensive power costs. It suffices to say that electricity bills will be a major dent in the budgets of students and visitors. However, costs are still lower as compared to the United Kingdom (UK). They should not run air conditioners continually or forget to switch off power for wall outlets. Try and cool the home with natural flow of air as much as possible and if air conditioning is unavoidable, close all the windows and doors properly. Always unplug bigger appliances and switch off electricity at wall sockets if they are going out for extended durations. 

Enjoy Public Events – 

There are several public events going on in Australia that will not charge you anything. They will enjoy several free live music events, outdoor screenings of movies and cheap options like coin-operated barbeques at the beach for instance. 

Save money- 

Students need not pay for fitness needs and gym memberships in Australia. The climate encourages outdoor activity throughout the year and you can simply go running, biking, paddling, swimming and hiking if you wish. Many communities have free fitness programs along with stationary workout stations outdoors. Get outdoors and live the Australian life without paying for that exorbitant gym membership. 

Leverage discounts and offers- 

Australia has several incentives available for students. A student studying here with the ISIC Card, they can tap into these discounts. Several students are also eligible for discounts on everything from flights to transportation and more. They can also get more discounts at numerous outlets/stores. Moreover, their student ID to get as many offers as possible. 

Save money on transportation costs– 

Travel by public transportation instead of hiring cabs in Australia. This is a more affordable way to commute throughout the city. Most universities are city or campus-based with great links to public transport facilities. See whether monthly or weekly passes are available with student discounts on transportation services that can be used regularly.

Important Resources About Australia to Read:

Cost of Study in AustraliaCost of MS in AustraliaSOP for Australia
Requirements for Studying in AustraliaJobs After MBA in AustraliaAustralia Post-Study Work Visa
How to Study in Australia from India?Study in Australia for Indian Students After 12th

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of living in Australia for international and Indian students in 2024 continues to be a crucial factor in planning for education abroad. While Australia offers high-quality education, vibrant multicultural cities, and numerous post-study opportunities, students need to account for expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities, alongside tuition fees. The variation in living costs across different Australian cities requires careful budgeting and financial planning. For Indian students, understanding the exchange rate and seeking scholarships or part-time work can ease the financial burden. Ultimately, while the cost of living is a significant consideration, the investment in Australian education is often paralleled by the enriching experience, quality of life, and the comprehensive learning environment that this diverse country offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum cost of living in Australia for international Students?

The minimum cost of living in Australia ranges between AUD 1, 400-6, and 600 every month.

Which are the cities in Australia with a low cost of living?

Some cities have comparatively lower costs of living including Hobart and Melbourne.

What are the average transportation costs in Australia?

Monthly passes cost anywhere between AUD 86 and AUD 220 while one-way local transportation ranges between AUD 3.60-7.

What are average utility costs in Australia?

If you are staying in Australia, you can expect to pay somewhere around AUD 120-400 for basic utilities.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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