Cost of Living in Australia For International Students: Explained

Understanding the average living expenses is crucial for effective financial planning, especially if you're considering living in Australia as an international student.

The overall cost of living for students in Australia varies based on factors like personal lifestyle, chosen city of residence, commuting, and food preferences.

The following factors can influence monthly living costs:

• Insurance

• House Rent

• Transportation

• Groceries

• Utilities

Considering all the above factors, Australia's average cost of living is between AUD 35,000 and 40,000 per year. Overall, Australia's cost of living is higher than countries like the UK, Canada, and the US. However, it is still one of the international students' most preferred study destinations. 

Below, you'll find costs associated with living in Australia. Keep in mind that these expenses may vary depending on your location in the country.

Accommodations Costs

Other Living Expenses

Out of all the other living costs in Australia, transport and housing costs significantly affect international students. These two costs vary per territory and state in Australia.

Let's discuss the average public transport and housing cost in Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory.

1. New South Wales (NSW)

Housing

The typical weekly rent for shared houses or flats in Sydney falls between AUD 300 to AUD 400, while one-bedroom units range from AUD 550 to AUD 700.

In regional areas of New South Wales, one-bedroom units start at AUD 250 and can go up to AUD 350 per week. For a three-bedroom place, the rent may vary weekly from AUD 300 to AUD 350.

Public Transport

Getting around Sydney is simple, with options like monorails, buses, ferries, trains, and light rail. International students in NSW usually don't get fare discounts, except those with Australian Government scholarships.

Transport costs range from AUD 40 to 58, but if you have a concession pass, it's between AUD 20 and 30 per week. Having a car is a good idea in regional NSW, where public transport is limited.

2. Queensland (QLD)

Housing

In Brisbane, a one-bedroom unit typically rents for about AUD 300 per week, while a three-bedroom apartment starts at AUD 350 per week. Rental prices for units in regional areas of Queensland vary.

In the far north region of Queensland, you can expect a unit to cost around AUD 240 per week, while in the Gold Coast area, unit prices start from AUD 350 per week.

Public Transport

In Queensland, full-time students enjoy discounted transportation fares.

Concession fares for a single trip range from AUD 2.00 to AUD 12.30, depending on your destination. Your electronic cards are valid for use on ferries, trains, and buses throughout southeast Queensland.

3. Victoria (VIC)

Housing 

In Melbourne, Australia, a one-bedroom unit costs approximately AUD 500 per week, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 800. On the other hand, in the regional areas of Victoria, a unit ranges from AUD 200 to AUD 300, and a three-bedroom apartment varies between AUD 400 and AUD 700 per week.

Public Transport

You can use trains, buses, or trams for travel in Melbourne. But, unlike in New South Wales, international students in Victoria don't get transportation discounts. If you're travelling within zone 1, the ticket costs $7.00. For zone 2, it's $5; travel between zones 1 and 2 is $11.00.

You can pick hourly, weekly, monthly, or yearly tickets based on your needs. Remember that transport options are limited in regional parts of Victoria. You might want to consider using a car or bicycle there.

4. Tasmania (TAS)

Housing 

The rental price for a one-bedroom unit in Hobart is around AUD 450 per week, and for a three-bedroom apartment, the rent may start from AUD 650. Also, you can talk to your provider about other off-campus or on-campus facilities available and then determine the costs accordingly. 

Public Transport

Cities in Tasmania like Burnie, Hobart, and Launceston offer campus bus services on weekdays, which makes it easy to travel around the cities. International students also get a concession on fares to purchase a daily ticket for around AUD 3. 

5. South Australia (SA)

Housing

In Adelaide, the weekly house rental varies from AUD 300 to AUD 550. In the outer suburbs of South Australia, you can expect to pay around AUD 500 for a three-bedroom apartment, while in the inner suburbs, the rental cost is typically between AUD 600 and AUD 700.

Public Transport

In Adelaide, you can take a bus, train or tram. You also get a concession fare if you are a full-time international student. A multi-trip ticket with concession costs you around AUD 14. 

6. Western Australia (WA)

Housing

In Perth, the weekly rental cost of a one-bedroom unit costs around AUD 450 and AUD 650 for a three-bedroom apartment. 

Public Transport

In cities like Perth and Fremantle, you can hop on ferries, trains, and buses. Full-time international students can grab a SmartRider card for easy travel.

The cost of transportation in Western Australia is between AUD 0.50 and AUD 4, depending on the zone you're heading to.

7. Northern Territory (NT)

Housing

In Darwin, the typical rent for a unit averages between AUD 450 and AUD 650 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Public Transport 

Buses generally operate regularly in central Darwin and on campuses in Palmerston and Casuarina. However, bus services are limited during the night and on weekends.

8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Housing

In Canberra, the average rental price of an apartment is around AUD 400 per week. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average cost is AUD 450 per week. 

Public Transport

Canberra has an outstanding bus network managed by ACTON, featuring an electronic ticketing system enabling passengers to swipe their prepaid cards effortlessly. Additionally, international students enjoy fare concessions during both peak and off-peak hours.

Useful Links to Explore: 

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?