Cost of Living in Australia: Updated Prices [2024]

Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country, renowned for its world-class education system, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. For international students, understanding the cost of living in Australia is crucial for planning a successful and enjoyable study experience. Today, we will explore the various expenses you need to consider to manage your budget effectively while living in this beautiful country. So, what is the cost of living in Australia for international students?

Are you curious about the cost of living in Australia? Living in Australia, especially as an international student, can be expensive. This blog will guide you through the overall cost of living in Australia per month. We will cover essential expenses, and provide some tips on saving money while living there. So, let’s get started!

What is the Cost of Living in Australia?

The average cost of living in Australia for international students is around AUD 3,519 per month. If we break down these living expenses, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from AUD 1,770 to AUD 3,300. Monthly food expenses are around AUD 830, while transportation costs are around AUD 401. These costs of living in Australia can vary based on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.

The average cost of living in Australia per month is 2.19 times more expensive than the world’s average. Due to this, it is among the top ten most expensive countries to live in out of 197. Housing costs, food costs, utility costs, transportation costs and other costs play a significant role in determining the total cost of living in Australia. Let’s take an overview of these costs:

Type of Expense	Approx Cost
One Bedroom Apartment rent	AUD 1,770 – AUD 3300
Food	AUD 830
Utilities	AUD 307
Entertainment	AUD 300
Transportation	AUD 401

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense

The table above covers the most basic cost of living in Australia for students. A detailed overview of Australia’s living costs is provided in the below headings. Please have a look, it will help you in making effective financial planning.

Cost of Accommodation in Australia

Renting an apartment is a big deal in Australia because it covers the major portion of the cost of living in Australia for students. Before moving to Australia international students need to research thoroughly and compare apartment rents in different areas of the city to ensure they meet your needs and budget.

However, the cost of housing rent here depends on the location you choose to live in and the type of apartment you prefer. Here’s how much the accommodations in Australia cost:

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Cost
Homestays	AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
Halls of residence	AUD 500 – AUD 1,200
Shared apartment	AUD 700 – AUD 1200
One-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	AUD 2,340
One-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	AUD 1,770
Three -bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	AUD 3,613
Three -bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	AUD 2,632

Cost of Dining in Australia

Another important category of cost of living in Australia for students is Dining expenses. Australia is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and dining out can be an exciting experience. However, the cost of eating out varies based on the type of restaurant, the cuisine, and the location.

For students, regularly dining out can significantly impact their budget and overall cost of living in Australia. On average, students might spend around AUD 830 per month on food. To manage your budget effectively, it’s helpful to understand the costs associated with eating out in various types of restaurants. Here’s an approximate estimate of meal costs in Australia:

Type of Meal	Approximate Cost
Lunch Menu	AUD 22.4
Dinner for Two at a Restaurant	AUD 107
Fast Food Meal (e.g., McDonald’s)	AUD 14.9
Cappuccino (Regular)	AUD 5.2

Cost of Grocery in Australia

If you prefer to prepare your meals at home then grocery expenses are a significant portion of your cost of living in Australia. Moreover, your meal preferences will decide your grocery budget. The grocery cost comprises the prices of basic food items like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, water, milk, bread and other edible items.

Its a smart thing to to compare grocery prices across different vendors and stores. In the table below, we have given a list of individual grocery items and restaurant food along with their costs:

Groceries Items	Approx Costs
Apples (1kg)	CAD4.85
Banana (1kg)	CAD4.07
Oranges (1kg)	CAD4.48
Rice (white), (1kg)	CAD3.25
Eggs (regular) (12)	CAD6.14
Local Cheese (1kg)	CAD14.89
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	CAD2.34
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	CAD3.74
Tomato (1kg)	CAD6.67
Potato (1kg)	CAD3.66
Onion (1kg)	CAD3.26
Lettuce (1 head)	CAD3.47

Also Read: Cost of Living in Dubai: Updated Prices [2024]

Cost of Entertainment in Australia

Entertainment costs in Australia depend on many factors, such as going to the movies, eating at restaurants, attending pubs, concerts, sporting events, and others. Entertainment costs can vary according to the location and kind of entertainment an individual prefers and how frequently you go out with friends.

Costs of Entertainment in Australia can affect your cost of living in Australia, especially if you frequently go out for leisure activities. Below is a table summarising the various modes of entertainment costs:

Item	Monthly cost
Movie ticket	AUD 22
Concert ticket	AUD 50 – AUD 150
Sporting event ticket	AUD 30 – AUD 100
Museum admission	AUD 10 – AUD 20
Art gallery admission	AUD 10 – AUD 20
Restaurant meal	AUD 20 – AUD 50
Nightclub cover charge	AUD 10 – AUD 20
Coffee	AUD 6
Beer	AUD 11-12

Cost of Transportation in Australia

Australia has a well-developed transportation system, you can comfortably commute every day using public or private transport. The average monthly cost of a transportation pass might affect the cost of living in Australia, but it is essential to consider while making a budget.

Transportation costs will be a regular part of a student’s routine as they commute to and from college. To help you estimate your transportation budget in Australia, here is an overview of the costs associated with different modes of transportation:

Transportation Mode	Average Cost
Local transport ticket (One-way)	AUD 5
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	AUD 6
Gasoline (1 lit)	AUD 1.89
Taxi (1 km)	AUD 2.70
Monthly Pass	AUD 168

Cost of Utilities in Australia

When considering the cost of living in Australia, one important factor to consider in Australia is the cost of utilities there. Utilities refer to essential services such as electricity, water, gas, heating, and other necessities for everyday life. Moreover, understanding the cost of utilities in Australia can give you a better idea of managing the overall expenses while living in a country.

Utility services in Australia are essential amenities that significantly contribute to the quality of life for residents. Understanding the cost of these services is crucial for managing your budget effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the typical utility costs you can expect while living in Australia:

Utilities/Bills	Average Monthly Cost
Internet with 60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data	AUD 81
Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage etc)	AUD 307
Prepaid mobile (Local tariff)	AUD 42

Also Read: Cost of Living in Cuba: A Comprehensive Guide on Cuba’s Expense

Cost of Studying in Australia

Despite the high cost of living in Australia, it attracts hundreds and thousands of learners due to its institute’s ranking in the world’s top 100 universities and its lifestyle. The university tuition fee is also a cost that students need to keep in mind while moving Australia for higher studies.

The study cost in Australia depends on whether you choose to enrol in a public or private university. Here’s a list of some top universities in Australia with their tuition fees:

Type	University	Tuition Fee
Public university	University of Melbourne	AUD 31,870
	University of New South Wales	AUD 23,140
	University of Sydney	AUD 44,500
	The University of Queensland	AUD 34,960
	Australian National University	AUD 34,960
Private university	Bond University	AUD 43,200
	Carnegie Mellon University	AUD 58,000
	Torrents University	AUD 34,480
	Avolande University	AUD 34,736

Average Cost of Living in Top Australian Cities

Australia is a diverse country with a diverse culture, and the cost of living in Australia varies widely across its major cities. Some cities are more expensive, while others are more affordable. Whether you’re a student, professional, or family, it’s important to understand the cost of living in various cities of Australia to make a good decision.

Here’s an easy-to-read guide on the average cost of living in some of the top cities of Australia. So let’s take a look at the average monthly cost of living for international students in the top Australian cities.

City Wise Cost of Living in	Monthly Living Cost
Cost of Living in Sydney	AUD 4206
Cost of Living in Melbourne	AUD 3615
Cost of Living in Canberra	AUD 3996
Cost of Living in Gold Coast	AUD 3303
Cost of Living in Adelaide	AUD 3346
Cost of Living in Brisbane	AUD 3616
Cost of Living in Perth	AUD 3518

Cost of Living in Australia Compared to Other Countries

Australia is known for offering a high quality of life, but it’s essential to understand how the cost of living compares to other countries. In Australia, expenses such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment play a significant role in the overall cost of living. Despite these costs, Australia remains an appealing destination for students and professionals seeking a vibrant lifestyle and diverse opportunities.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how the cost of living in Australia compares with other countries and cities. Here’s a look at the average cost of living in various locations:

Countries Name	Average Cost of Living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in the USA	AUD 3734	Higher than average in Australia
Cost of Living in the UK	AUD 3350	Lower than average in Australia
Cost of Living in Canada	AUD 3134	Lower to average in Australia
Cost of Living in Germany	AUD 2427	Lower than average in Australia
Cost of Living in Singapore	AUD 3007	Lower than average in Australia
Cost of Living in New Zealand	AUD 2992	Lower than average in Australia
Cost of Living in South Africa	AUD 1251	Lower to average in Australia
Cost of Living in Ireland	AUD 3741	Higher than average in Australia

By comparing these costs, you can better understand how Australia stacks up against other cities and countries. This comparison helps in planning and managing your expenses effectively.

Why Study in Australia?

Besides understanding the average cost of living in Australia, it’s also important to know why studying in Australia is a great choice. Let’s explore some key reasons to choose Australia for your studies:

1. The cost of living and studying in Australia is 40-60% lower than in the UK or the USA, making it a preferred destination for overseas education.
2. All the courses that Australian universities offer have an up-to-date curriculum, infrastructure, and result-oriented faculty. 
3. From expensive to affordable, there’s a range of universities available for you to apply to as per your academic and career goals.
4. International students can also work part-time alongside their studies to gain work experience.
5. Australia ranks among the top 10 in the Quality of Life and Human Development Index.
6. Graduates from Australian universities are readily hired by employers in the country, both in the public and private sectors.
7. Since the education system in Australia is quite similar to the Indian one, Indian students don’t face any major issues adjusting to it.
8. Apart from studying, you can also expect a career growth of 15% annually. Which is very fascinating thing for students.

Tips to Manage the Cost of Living in Australia

After understanding the cost of living in Australia, it’s crucial for students to save money wherever possible while moving to Australia for higher education or a job. Well, it can be expensive to study here in Australia but with the right knowledge of managing the expenses, you will be able to stay comfortably. Given below are some tips that can help you ease the overall living cost in Australia:

1. Consider living in a shared apartment or student dormitory to save money. Look for cheaper accommodation outside the city centre or in less desirable areas.
2. Since eating out can be expensive in Australia, cooking your own meals is a great way to save money and eat healthier.
3. Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Australia. Use your student discounts while taking public transport.
4. Many businesses in Australia offer student discounts. Be sure to ask about student discounts before you make a purchase.
5. Look for free or low-cost activities such as visiting parks, museums, and galleries. You can also find free events and festivals happening throughout the year.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia

This was all about the cost of living in Australia, if you are also looking to study in Manitoba and want to be admitted to your dream course from your dream university, reach out to Leverage edu our experts will help and guide you with a smooth process