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.
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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.
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
Ans. Broken Hill is generally considered an affordable destination compared to many other parts of Australia, especially coastal cities. This is primarily due to its remote location and relatively small population.
Ans. Some of the reasons for cheap houses in Broken Hill are as follows:
Remote Location: Being in the Outback, Broken Hill is less desirable to many people who prefer coastal living or larger cities. This reduced demand keeps property prices lower.
Economic Factors: While Broken Hill has a rich mining history, its economy has experienced fluctuations. This can impact property values.
Lifestyle Considerations: The outback lifestyle might not suit everyone, and this can also influence property demand.
Ans. Broken Hill is generally considered a safe place to visit and live. Like any town, it’s essential to exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone or at night. The local community is friendly and welcoming, and the crime rate is relatively low.
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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