When my close friend got admitted to an Australian university, she could not contain her happiness. But the joy was accompanied by concerns about the cost of living in Australia for Indian students and the total budget she will be needing to lead a decent life there.
Since Australia is quite a popular destination among Indian students, with nearly 95,791 Indian students moving to the country in 2023 to pursue their education, it is vital to have a fair idea of the living expenses in Australia. It is especially important as a student so that you can plan your finances accordingly.
Let’s find out what our research unfolded in this article.
What is Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Family & Single Student
Wondering what is the minimum cost of living in Australia for an Indian student or family? The average cost of living in Australia for a family of four is around AUD 6,060.5 per month.
Students should comprehend that the cost of living would vary based on their lifestyle preferences and choices. The average living costs for students hover between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 every month encompassing all expenditures including food, accommodation, social activities, utilities, and so on.
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.
Here is a breakdown of the expenses incurred in different segments by a single student and a family of four for a better idea.
Factor
Cost for a single student
Cost for a family of four
Housing costs in Australia (per month)
For 1-Bedroom Apartment:
In city center: AUD 2,256
Outside of the center: AUD 1,800
For 3-Bedroom Apartment:
In city center: AUD 3,579
Outside of the center: AUD 2,609
Monthly Transportation
AUD 261
AUD 678
Food
AUD 541
AUD 1383
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, etc.)
AUD 122
AUD 187
Healthcare costs
AUD 70
AUD 580
Entertainment and recreation
Take away food: AUD 10 - AUD 25
Movies: AUD 14 - AUD 30
A night out (dinner, club, disco, etc.): AUD 60+
Take away food: AUD 40 - AUD 100
Movies: AUD 56 - AUD 120
A night out (dinner, club, disco, etc.): AUD 180+
Let us now look at the bifurcation of some of the major costs pertaining to the above-mentioned factors so that you have a fair understanding of the living expenses in Australia. 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.
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$82.47
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$311
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$41.75
Average Tuition Fees in Australia for Indian and International Students
As reported by StudyAustralia, the official Australian government site for international students, the average yearly tuition fees (for international students) are as follows:
Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree: AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000
Postgraduate or master’s degree: AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000
Doctoral degree: AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000
However, it is necessary to keep in mind that these figures do not include high-value courses like veterinary or medical degrees, whose tuition fees can considerably be more.
Moreover, tuition fees at Australian universities are calculated per unit and not per year. Each unit falls into a fee band, and fees will be different for everybody as most students study a combination of units from different bands.
Another aspect to consider while calculating the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students is the Student Services and Amenities fee. This is charged by some universities for services and amenities of a non-academic nature. The fee can go up to a maximum of AUD 315, but not every university charges it.
Let’s take a look at the average fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at top Australian universities.
While you must be excited about moving to Australia, here are a few things you need to know beforehand instead of learning them the hard way.
Make sure to budget accurately for your trip as Australia is an expensive country. According to a Forbes article, inflation has peaked 7.8% in 2023 in the country.
Buy good health insurance because the medicare in Australia can be a bit hard on your pocket.
If you are carrying medicines, remember to keep your prescriptions along and declare your medications when you land at the airport.
When looking forward to renting a house in Australia, make sure you have 6-8 months of rent handy as some rental properties demand an advance payment of 4 weeks security deposit and a month’s rent.
Australians observe the ‘Hard Rubbish Day’ yearly on which they leave unwanted items like appliances or furniture outside their home. People can pick items that might be useful to them.
Coffee in Australia is loved by all, so being a barista can be a good part-time job for you.
Stock up on high-factor sunscreen and avoid unnecessary exposure from 11am to 4pm.
Cost-Saving Tips to Follow While Living in Australia
Rising interest rates, soaring inflation, and rental price hikes have led to a spike in the average cost of living in Australia. Here are tips you can follow to save some money.
Reduce your grocery bills
Plan in advance what your weekly meal routine would look like and go for grocery shopping once a week. Generally, it is advised to buy in bulk to get additional discounts. The best you can do is create a shopping list before going to the supermarket to avoid distraction.
Save on electricity costs
Australia has some of the world’s most expensive power costs. Hence, electricity bills can be a major dent in the budgets of students. To save on the cost, avoid running air conditioners continually and switch off electricity at wall sockets if going out for extended durations.
Enjoy public events
There are several free public events that run in Australia. One can enjoy free live music events, outdoor screenings of movies, and other entertainment options like coin-operated barbeques at the beach and more.
Leverage student discounts and offers
Australia has several incentives available for students. The ISIC Card can help you tap into these discounts. Several transport services, fashion outlets/stores, and cafes provide additional discounts on student ID.
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. Check whether monthly or weekly passes are available with student discounts.
Know where you are spending all your money
Take your bank account from the past few months and segregate your expenses. This would give you an idea of where your money is getting spent. Identify the places where you can reduce your spending, such as unnecessary dining costs or entertainment costs.
Since different cities have different living standards, the cost of living also differs at these places. When moving to Australia, it is important to have an understanding of what the monthly cost of living in a specific city will look like.
Top Expensive Cities in Australia
Mentioned below are the top expensive cities in Australia per the research we did:
City
Monthly Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Sydney
AUD 1,719
Canberra
AUD 1,956
Melbourne
AUD 1,593
Brisbane
AUD 1,673
Adelaide
AUD 1,895
Perth
AUD 1,674
Cheapest Cities in Australia
Now, let us look at some of the most cheapest cities in Australia:
City
Monthly Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Gold Coast
AUD 794
Darwin
AUD 752
Newcastle
AUD 733
Dubbo
AUD 690
Cairns
AUD 624
Townsville City
AUD 573
Australia vs Other Countries: Comparing Cost of Living
To make an informed decision about which country to study, it is important to look at the various factors, including its cost of living. Let’s find out how expensive Australia is compared to other countries.
Here is a quick comparison of living expenses in Australia compared to other countries.
Country
Average Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Australia
AUD 1,719.4 (₹ 93,272.31)
United States
$ 1,172.5 (₹ 98,034.25)
United Kingdom
£ 809.2 (₹ 84,281.83)
Canada
C$ 1,451.8 (₹ 88,111.56)
India
₹28,719.7
Comparison of Monthly Rental Expenditure
Type of Accommodation
Australia
UK
USA
Canada
1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre
AUD1,800 (INR 99,178)
£875 (INR 91,571)
$1,447 (INR 1,20,866)
C$1,686 (INR 1,02,940)
3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
AUD 3,579 (INR 1,97,200)
£1,742 (INR 1,82,306)
$2,956 (INR 2,46,911)
C$3,114 (INR 1,90,127)
3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre
AUD 2,609 (INR 1,43,754)
£1,344 (INR 1,40,654)
$2,399 (INR 2,00,385)
C$2,630 (INR 1,60,576)
1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
AUD 2,256 (INR 1,24,304)
£1,051 (INR 1,09,990)
$1,758 (INR 1,46,843)
C$1,918 (INR 1,07,336)
Disclaimer: Conversion as of May 2024
Conclusion
Managing thecost of living in Australia for a single person or a family can be challenging. While being an expensive country may be its con, the quality of education and standard of living in Australia is its pro.
The variation in living costs across different Australian cities requires careful budgeting and financial planning. However, if you plan your finances, conduct a financial audit, or avoid unnecessary luxury-related expenses too much, you can save some money.
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 in Australia 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.
Disclaimer: All costs and expenses are indicative and subject to change
Australia is way more expensive than India. As per Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index by Country 2024 ranking, Australia was ranked on the 13th position and India was on the 143rd position. While the cost of living in Australia per month is AUD 1,719.4 (₹ 93,272.31), in India it is somewhere around ₹28,719.7.
How much does 1 AUD cost in INR?
1 AUD is equal to INR 55.25. However, the conversion of AUD to INR fluctuates everyday, hence it is better to check the conversion rate for a particular day on a currency converter.
Is it expensive to live in Australia?
According to Numbeo, Australia is ranked as the 13th most expensive country in the world. Countries like the United States (12th), Switzerland (2nd), Singapore (7th), Norway (9th), and Denmark (10th) are reported to be costlier than Australia.
How much money do you need in Australia to live comfortably?
How much money is enough to live comfortably in Australia depends on the lifestyle you will be following and the city you choose to stay in. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average weekly earnings for a full-time worker in Australia is around AUD 1,807.
What is the minimum cost of living in Australia for international students?
The minimum cost of living for international students in Australia ranges between AUD 600 and AUD 1000 in a city like Perth and can rise up to AUD 1200 to AUD 2000 in Sydney.
Which are the cities in Australia with a low cost of living?
Cities like Adelaide and Perth are comparatively cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Living in Adelaide can cost you AUD 800 to AUD 1000 per month, whereas in Perth you can spend AUD 600 to AUD 1000 per month.
What are the average transportation costs in Australia?
A one-way ticket in local transport costs around AUD 5, whereas a monthly pass can cost AUD 170. On the other hand, hiring a taxi costs AUD 6 to AUD 60.
What are average utility costs in Australia?
The average utility cost a student has to bear in Australia is AUD 334.66 for basics (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage), AUD 43.30 for mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data, and AUD 85.38 for internet (60 Mbps or More, unlimited data, cable/ADSL).
How much is monthly rent in Australia?
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Australia is AUD 2,256 in the city center and AUD 1,800 outside of the center.
Which is more expensive, the UK or Australia?
Australia is comparatively more expensive than the UK. While the average cost of living in Australia is somewhere around AUD 1,719.4 (₹ 93,272.31), it is £ 809.2 (₹ 84,281.83) in the United Kingdom.
Is 2000 AUD enough to live in Australia?
Yes, AUD 2000 per month is enough to live a decent life in Australia if you exclude the house rent from it. Renting an apartment calls for an additional AUD 2,256 in the city center and AUD 1,800 outside the city center.
What is the cost of living in Australia in Indian rupees?
The cost of living in Australia per month is AUD 1,719.4 which when converted to INR, stands at ₹ 93,272.31.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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