One app for all your study abroad needs
Brookvale which is located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney region, is a suburban area known for its mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Its closeness to beaches like Dee Why and Curl Curl makes it a desirable location for students who want to enjoy a mixture of urban and coastal living. Although Brookvale is more affordable than central Sydney, it is important to understand the cost of living to plan your budget effectively. In this guide, we will cover accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment costs to give you a comprehensive understanding of the cost of living in Brookvale as an international student.
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Brookvale
- 1. Accommodation Costs in Brookvale
- 2. Cost of Living in Brookvale: Utilities
- 3. Groceries and Food Costs
- Expense on Dining Out
- 3. Cost of Transportation in Brookvale
- 5. Cost of Living in Brookvale: Healthcare
- 6. Entertainment and Leisure Cost at Brookvale
- 7. List of Miscellaneous Costs
- 8. Total Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Brookvale
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Cost of Living in Brookvale
Brookvale has higher living costs due to its desirable location near beaches and urban facilities. Shared accommodation in Brookvale ranges from AUD 200 to AUD 300 per week, while private rentals can cost anywhere from AUD 450 to AUD 650 per week. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water average around AUD 150 to AUD 200 per month.
Groceries are moderately priced, but dining out and leisure activities can be more expensive. Despite higher living costs, Brookvale offers students easy access to the city, beaches, and a high-spirit community, making it a sought-after location.
1. Accommodation Costs in Brookvale
Brookvale offers a range of accommodation options, from shared apartments to private rentals. Although it is more affordable than central Sydney, the coastal appeal of Brookvale can still result in higher rental costs than other suburban areas.
For international students who are looking to minimize costs, shared accommodation is the most affordable option. A room in a shared apartment or house in Brookvale typically costs between AUD 200 and AUD 300 per week, depending on the location and proximity to public transportation.
Private Rentals
For students who prefer more privacy, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Brookvale can cost anywhere from AUD 450 to AUD 650 per week, depending on the size and proximity to amenities.
| Type of Accommodations | Average Weekly Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
| Shared Apartment or Room | AUD200 to AUD300 | AUD800 to AUD1,200 |
| Private Rental (1-Bedroom) | AUD450 to AUD650 | AUD1,800 to AUD2,600 |
Homestay Accommodation
Homestay options, which include meals and utilities, are available for international students and typically cost between AUD 250 and AUD 350 per week. This can be a convenient option for students looking for a cultural experience along with their studies.
2. Cost of Living in Brookvale: Utilities
Utilities are an important consideration for students, particularly for those living in private rentals. For a typical shared apartment or one-bedroom rental in Brookvale, utilities (electricity, gas, and water) cost between AUD 150 and AUD 200 per month.
Internet and Phone Services
High-speed internet is essential for students, and in Brookvale, internet costs range between AUD 60 and AUD 80 per month for a basic plan. Many students opt for shared plans with housemates to split costs.
| Type of Utilities | Average Monthly Cost |
| Electricity, Water, Gas | AUD150 to AUD200 |
| Internet | AUD60 to AUD80 |
3. Groceries and Food Costs
Brookvale has access to major grocery chains like Woolworths and Coles, along with smaller speciality stores. Grocery costs for an individual in Brookvale generally range from AUD 300 to AUD 450 per month, depending on dietary habits and where you shop.
Cost of Common Grocery Items
Find below the breakdown of the average prices for general grocery items in Brookvale:
| List of Grocery Items | Average Price |
| Milk (1 litre) | AUD1.50 to AUD2.00 |
| Bread (500g Loaf) | AUD2.50 to AUD4.00 |
| Eggs (Dozen) | AUD4.00 to AUD6.00 |
| Chicken (1kg) | AUD10.00 to AUD14.00 |
| Rice (1kg) | AUD2.50 to AUD4.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | AUD3.00 to AUD5.00 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | AUD2.00 to AUD4.00 |
Expense on Dining Out
From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, Brookvale offers a wide variety of dining options. A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant might cost between AUD 15 and AUD 25, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant could cost AUD 25 to AUD 50 per person.
Students who enjoy eating out should budget AUD 150 to AUD 300 per month for dining-out expenses
3. Cost of Transportation in Brookvale
Brookvale is well-connected to the rest of Sydney via public transport. Buses are the primary mode of transportation, with regular services to central Sydney and surrounding areas. Students can also take advantage of discounted Opal cards, which offer lower fares for public transport.
Costs of Public Transport
For students, the cost of public transport will vary depending on how frequently they travel.
On average, a student Opal card can cost between AUD 30 and AUD 50 per week, depending on travel distance. Students commuting to central Sydney for classes can expect to pay around AUD 200 per month for public transport.
| Mode of Transportation | Average Monthly Cost |
| Public Transport (Bus or Train) | AUD120 to AUD200 |
| Bicycle (One-Time Purchase) | AUD300 to AUD500 |
Cost of Cycling
For students who prefer to cycle, the proximity of Brookvale to the beach and nearby suburbs makes it an ideal location for biking. Purchasing a bicycle will cost between AUD 300 and AUD 500 for a quality model, which can be a great long-term investment to reduce transport costs.
5. Cost of Living in Brookvale: Healthcare
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of this coverage depends on the provider and length of the policy, but students can expect to pay between AUD 40 and AUD 60 per month.
| Healthcare Category | Average Monthly Cost |
| OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) | AUD40 to AUD60 |
| Visit to a Doctor | AUD50 to AUD100 per visit |
Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs
While OSHC covers many medical expenses, students may still encounter out-of-pocket costs. A visit to a general practitioner (GP) in Brookvale might cost between AUD 50 and AUD 100. However many bulk-billing clinics offer services at reduced or no cost for students with OSHC.
6. Entertainment and Leisure Cost at Brookvale
Living in Brookvale offers a great range of leisure activities, from visiting nearby beaches to enjoying local parks, cafes, and sports facilities. Students will find plenty of free or low-cost activities, especially if they enjoy outdoor activities.
Outdoor Activities
The Northern Beaches area is popular for its outdoor lifestyle. Surfing, hiking, and beach volleyball are popular pastimes, with many activities costing little to nothing. A visit to one of the beautiful nearby beaches, like Dee Why or Freshwater, is free and offers a perfect way to relax or socialize.
Leisure and Entertainment Expenses
| Leisure Activity Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Outdoor Activities | Free to AUD50 |
| Entertainment | AUD100 to AUD250 |
7. List of Miscellaneous Costs
In addition to basic living expenses, students should also account for miscellaneous costs, such as mobile phone plans, personal care items, and study materials.
Mobile Phone Plans
Mobile phone plans in Australia range between AUD 30 and AUD 50 per month, depending on the provider and data usage. Many students opt for prepaid plans, which can offer flexibility and better control over spending.
Study Materials
Depending on the course of study, students may need to purchase textbooks, software, or other learning materials. The cost of these materials can vary, but students should budget around AUD 150 to AUD 300 per semester for study-related expenses.
| Type of Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
| Mobile Phone Plan | AUD30 to AUD50 |
| Study Materials (per semester) | AUD150 to AUD300 |
8. Total Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Brookvale
To provide a clearer picture of the overall cost of living in Brookvale, here is a summary of the estimated monthly expenses for an international student:
| Category of Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation (Shared) | AUD800 to AUD1,200 |
| Utilities | AUD150 to AUD200 |
| Groceries | AUD300 to AUD450 |
| Transportation (Public or Car) | AUD120 to AUD200 |
| Healthcare (OSHC) | AUD40 to AUD60 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD100 to AUD250 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | AUD30 to AUD50 |
Conclusion
Brookvale offers international students a fantastic opportunity to live close to the wonderful Northern Beaches. On the one hand, international students can leverage their academic sessions, so on the other they can enjoy a slightly more affordable cost of living in Brookvale compared to inner-city suburbs.
With a range of accommodation options, accessible public transport, and plenty of free outdoor activities, Brookvale turns out to be an attractive option for students who want to balance their studies with an active lifestyle.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Berry. 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.
Related Reads:
FAQs
Ans. The amount of money you need to live comfortably in Sydney depends on your lifestyle and living arrangements. As a general guideline, you can expect to spend more on housing, transportation, and dining out compared to smaller cities.
Ans. Rent in Sydney can vary significantly depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. On average, you can expect to pay a higher rent compared to many other cities around the world.
Ans. The cost of living in London and Australia can be comparable, with both cities having high costs of living. However, specific factors such as housing prices, transportation costs, and lifestyle choices can influence the overall cost in each location.
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.