Cost of Living in Broken Hill, Australia

Broken Hill is a regional area located in New South Wales, Australia. The city is known for its mining history, rich arts scene, and affordable cost of living compared to major Australian cities. For international students considering studying in regional Australia, understanding the cost of living in Broken Hill and other areas can be important for planning.

Cost of Living in Broken Hill: Overview

Broken Hill is one of the most affordable places to live in New South Wales, making it an attractive choice for students on a budget. 

Shared accommodation costs between AUD 150 and AUD 250 per week, with private rentals being slightly higher. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water are also cheaper compared to larger cities. 

Groceries and other essentials are priced moderately, with basic items like bread, milk, and vegetables costing less than in metropolitan areas. Students in Broken Hill can enjoy a low-cost lifestyle while still having access to essential services and a unique outback experience.

1. Accommodation Costs in Broken Hill

Accommodation is often the largest expense for students studying abroad. Fortunately, Broken Hill offers various affordable housing options, including shared apartments, private rentals, and in some cases, on-campus student housing.

Shared Accommodation

Many international students opt to share apartments or houses with fellow students, as it significantly reduces costs. In Broken Hill, shared accommodation can range from AUD 100 to AUD 150 per week, depending on the location and the type of accommodation.

Private Rentals

For students who prefer more privacy, private rentals in Broken Hill are relatively affordable. A one-bedroom apartment or house can range from AUD 180 to AUD 250 per week. These costs may vary depending on the proximity to local amenities and the size of the property.

Student Housing

Although Broken Hill does not have the same extensive student housing facilities as larger cities, some educational institutions in regional areas offer limited on-campus accommodation options. This can be convenient for students who prefer living close to their university, but availability may be limited.

Type of Accommodation	Average Weekly Cost	Monthly Cost
Shared Apartment or Room	AUD100 – AUD150	AUD400 – AUD600
Private Rental (1-Bedroom)	AUD180 – AUD250	AUD400 – AUD600
Student Housing (On-Campus)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

Comparison with Major Cities

To understand it more precisely, let us give you the perspective of how Broken Hill’s accommodation costs compare with major cities like Sydney and Melbourne:

Name of City	Shared Accommodation (Monthly)	Private Rental (1-Bedroom, Monthly)
Broken Hill	AUD400 – AUD600	AUD720 – AUD1,000
Sydney	AUD800 – AUD1,200	AUD1,600 – AUD2,500
Melbourne	AUD700 – AUD1,100	AUD1,400 – AUD2,200

The considerable difference in rental price demonstrates why the cost of living in Broken Hill is an affordable option for students looking to minimise living expenses.

2. Cost of Living in Broken Hill: Utilities

Once you have secured accommodation, you must also budget for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Due to the regional nature of Broken Hill, utility costs can fluctuate depending on the season and personal usage. The average monthly utility cost ranges from AUD 100 to AUD 150.

To understand it better, here is a breakdown of utility costs in Broken Hill:

Type of Utility	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity, Water, Gas	AUD100 – AUD150
Internet	AUD50 – AUD70

While utility costs are relatively low in Broken Hill, it is important to factor in these recurring expenses when budgeting for your stay.

3. Groceries and Eating Out

Groceries are another essential aspect of living in Broken Hill. As a regional town, some items might be slightly more expensive due to transportation costs, but overall, grocery shopping in Broken Hill remains affordable.

Groceries

A single student can expect to spend between AUD 250 and AUD 400 per month on groceries, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits. 

Broken Hill has several supermarkets and local stores where students can find fresh produce, packaged goods, and household essentials.

Eating Out

While Broken Hill is a small city, it boasts a range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering reasonably priced meals. 

Eating out can cost around AUD 15 to AUD 25 per meal, making it affordable for students to enjoy dining out occasionally without breaking the bank.

Category of Expenses	Average Monthly Cost
Groceries	AUD250 – AUD400
Eating Out (per meal)	AUD15 – AUD25

4. Cost of Living in Broken Hill: Transportation

Transportation in Broken Hill is limited compared to larger cities, which makes living near your university or in the city centre a practical choice. Most students either walk or cycle to their destination, as public transportation is minimal.

Public Transportation

Broken Hill has a modest bus service, and students can expect to spend around AUD 40 to AUD 60 per month on bus fares if they regularly use public transportation.

Owning a Car

For students who prefer more independence, owning a car might be an option. However, due to its regional location, fuel prices in Broken Hill can be slightly higher than in urban areas, with an estimated monthly fuel cost ranging from AUD 120 to AUD 200.

Mode of Transportation	Average Monthly Cost
Public Transport (Bus)	AUD40 – AUD60
Owning a Car	AUD120 – AUD200

Despite the limited public transport, the cost of living in Broken Hills and lifestyle compensate for this, and students can still get around easily by walking, cycling, or carpooling.

5. Cost of Living in Broken Hill: Healthcare

Healthcare is another crucial factor for international students. In Australia, all international students are required to have health insurance known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This ensures that students have access to healthcare services in case of illness or injury during their stay.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The cost of OSHC depends on the length of your stay and the type of coverage. On average, students can expect to pay between AUD 45 and AUD 55 per month for OSHC.

Type of Health	Average Monthly Cost
Overseas Student Health Cover	AUD45 – AUD55
Visit of a Doctor	AUD50 – AUD100 per visit

It should be noted that having OSHC is important in Australia for overseas students. The insurance covers part of the costs for doctor visits, hospital treatment, and ambulance services.

6. Entertainment and Leisure

While Broken Hill might not offer the same level of entertainment as major cities, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with art galleries, museums, and historical sites to explore. For those interested in the outdoors, the surrounding desert landscape provides opportunities for hiking and nature trips.

Monthly Leisure Budget

Students should budget around AUD 100 to AUD 150 per month for entertainment and leisure activities. This includes going to the movies, visiting local attractions, or participating in community events.

Category of Expense	Average Monthly Cost
Entertainment	AUD100 – AUD150
Cultural Activities	AUD50 – AUD100

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Apart from essential living costs, students should also consider miscellaneous expenses such as mobile phone services, personal care items, and other day-to-day necessities.

Mobile and Internet

The average cost of a mobile phone plan in Australia is around AUD 40 to AUD 60 per month, which includes both phone and internet usage. 

Students can find several affordable mobile plans through providers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

Type of Expense	Average Monthly Cost
Mobile Phone or Internet	AUD40 – AUD60
Personal Care Items	AUD30 – AUD50

8. Total Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Broken Hill

Taking all the above categories into account, here is a final breakdown of the total estimated monthly cost of living in Broken Hill for an international student:

Category of Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost
Accommodation (Shared)	AUD400 – AUD600
Utilities	AUD150 – AUD200
Groceries	AUD250 – AUD400
Transportation	AUD40 – AUD200
Healthcare (OSHC)	AUD45 – AUD55
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	AUD185 – AUD250
Total	AUD1,070 – AUD1,705

Conclusion

For international students, Cost of Living in Broken Hill as their study destination is considerably more affordable than in Australia’s major cities. With a lower accommodation cost, utilities, and general living expenses, Broken Hill allows students to focus on their studies while enjoying a unique regional experience. 

By budgeting carefully and making the most of the affordable lifestyle, students can have a fulfilling educational experience in this historic outback town.

FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Broken Hill. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.

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