- Gold Coast ranks as Australia’s most affordable city for international students with monthly expenses between AUD 1,100-1,800 (₹63,701-₹1L).
- Adelaide features mainland Australia’s lowest rent, around 40 % cheaper than Sydney, with monthly costs ranging AUD 1,700-2,600 (₹98,447-₹1.5L).
- Indian students in Australia can cut living expenses by 15-20% through strategic city selection without compromising education quality.
Dreaming of studying in Australia but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. While cities like Sydney and Melbourne dominate the headlines, India’s 60,000+ students in Australia are discovering a powerful secret: the right city choice can slash your living expenses by 15-20% without compromising on education quality.
This blog covers the five cheapest Australian cities for international students, highlighting top universities, the cost of living, and comparing student life benefits.
Top 5 Australian Cities With the Lowest Cost of Living
Each city offers unique advantages beyond affordability, from cultural experiences to career opportunities.
International students typically spend between AUD 1,100 and 3,500 (₹63,701 – ₹2L) per month on living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs, with significant variations depending on the city.
Below are the top five cities with the lowest cost of living in Australia.
1. Gold Coast: Australia’s Most Affordable Student City
Gold Coast ranks as the #1 most affordable city for international students in Australia, with monthly expenses between AUD 1,100 and AUD 1,800 (₹63,701 to ₹1L).
The city offers excellent educational standards, vibrant lifestyle, and stunning natural attractions. Combining affordable living with laid-back coastal culture and growing career opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and creative industries.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation / Rent | AUD 800-1,600 | ₹46,328 - ₹92,656 |
| Groceries / Food | AUD 200-360 | ₹11,582 - ₹20,848 |
| Transportation | AUD 48-80 | ₹2,780 - ₹4,633 |
| Utilities & Misc. | AUD 60-100 | ₹3,475 - ₹5,791 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | AUD 1,100-1,800 | ₹63,701 - ₹1L |
2. Brisbane: Queensland’s Affordable Capital
Brisbane offers excellent value for a capital city, with monthly living costs typically ranging from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500 (₹81,074 to ₹1.4L).
Brisbane offers 300 days of sunshine yearly, excellent university options, and strong graduate employment prospects across multiple industries. Significantly cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne while maintaining high quality of life.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | AUD 650-1,800 | ₹37,642 - ₹1L |
| Groceries | AUD 260-440 | ₹15,057 - ₹25,480 |
| Public Transport (Go Card Student) | AUD 60-120 | ₹3,475 - ₹6,949 |
| Utilities | AUD 60-100 | ₹3,475 - ₹5,791 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | AUD 1,400-2,500 | ₹81,074 - ₹1.4L |
Top Universities in Brisbane (QS World University Rankings 2026):
- The University of Queensland – QS #42
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – QS #226
- Griffith University – QS #268
- James Cook University – QS #440
- Australian Catholic University (Brisbane Campus)
Student Life Benefits:
- Public transport with student Go Card offers substantial savings
- Close to Gold Coast (1 hour) and Sunshine Coast for weekend trips
- Strong part-time job opportunities with competitive wages
- Vibrant multicultural environment with excellent dining and entertainment
3. Hobart: Tasmania’s Most Affordable Capital
Hobart offers monthly living costs between AUD 1,500 to 2,000 (₹86,865 to ₹1L), making it the cheapest capital city in Australia.
The city combines stunning natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and Tasmania’s unique cultural scene with mountains, wilderness, and coastal access. Perfect for nature lovers seeking quality education in a peaceful environment.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | AUD 800-1,360 | ₹46,328 - ₹78,758 |
| Groceries | AUD 240-400 | ₹13,898 - ₹23,164 |
| Public Transport (Concession) | AUD 32-60 | ₹1,853 - ₹3,475 |
| Utilities | AUD 50-80 | ₹2,896 - ₹4,633 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | AUD 1,500-2,000 | ₹86,865 - ₹1L |
Top Universities in Hobart (QS World University Rankings 2026):
- University of Tasmania (UTAS) – QS #314
- Australian Maritime College (part of UTAS)
- TasTAFE – Largest vocational education and training provider
Student Life Benefits:
- Concession MetroCard provides substantial discounts on public transport
- Small, walkable city reducing transport needs significantly
- Access to affordable fresh produce from market
- Close-knit international student community creating strong support networks
4. Adelaide: The Festival City
Adelaide stands out with the lowest rent among Australian mainland capital cities, where monthly living costs range between AUD 1,700 and AUD 2,600 (₹98,447 to ₹1.5L).
Rent here is 40% lower than Sydney according to StudyAdelaide official data. The city provides excellent public transport, beautiful beaches within 20 minutes, and strong job markets in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation (Shared) | AUD 600-1,400 | ₹34,746 - ₹81,074 |
| Groceries | AUD 240-400 | ₹13,898 - ₹23,164 |
| Public Transport (MetroCard) | AUD 60-100 | ₹3,475 - ₹5,791 |
| Utilities (Shared) | AUD 50-80 | ₹2,896 - ₹4,633 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | AUD 1,700-2,600 | ₹98,447 - ₹1.5L |
Top Universities in Adelaide (QS World University Rankings 2026):
- Adelaide University – QS #82
- Flinders University – QS #387
- Torrens University Australia
Student Life Benefits:
- Free city loop buses in CBD area reduce transport costs
- Students save around AUD 200-400 monthly with low-cost student housing
- Festival city status with year-round cultural events including Adelaide Fringe
- Access to affordable fresh produce from Adelaide Central Market
5. Canberra: Australia’s Capital City
Canberra’s monthly living costs range from AUD 2,300 to AUD 3,500 (₹1.33L to ₹2L) excluding tuition fees.
According to the Australian National University, students need approximately AUD 32,000-38,000 per year (₹18.5L to ₹22L) to cover basic living costs. Students make up 23% of the population, creating a diverse and welcoming environment with excellent safety standards and government job opportunities.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | AUD 800-2,000 | ₹46,328 (₹0.46L) - ₹1,15,820 (₹1.16L) |
| Groceries | AUD 280-480 | ₹16,215 (₹0.16L) - ₹27,797 (₹0.28L) |
| Public Transport (MyWay Card) | AUD 60-120 | ₹3,475 - ₹6,949 |
| Utilities | AUD 60-100 | ₹3,475 - ₹5,791 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | AUD 2,300-3,500 | ₹1.3L - ₹2L |
Top Universities in Canberra (QS World University Rankings 2026):
- Australian National University (ANU) – QS #32
- University of Canberra – QS #494
- Australian Catholic University (Canberra Campus)
Student Life Benefits:
- Capital city with numerous national museums and free cultural attractions
- Safe, well-planned city layout with excellent infrastructure
- Strong government sector providing internship and career opportunities in public service
- Access to national institutions and policy-making centers
Key Takeaways
Australia presents remarkable educational pathways across inexpensive cities for students with distinctive cost structures.
Gold Coast stands out as the most budget-conscious choice at AUD 1,100-1,800 (₹63,701-₹1L) monthly, combining coastal lifestyle with great tourism employment opportunities. Hobart delivers capital city advantages at the lowest rates, ideal for students drawn to wilderness and tranquility. Brisbane strikes the perfect balance between affordability and prospects, boasting 300 days of sunshine and immediate beach access. Adelaide offers Australia’s lowest rent, around 40% cheaper than Sydney, with vibrant festival culture. Strategic choices in accommodation, transport passes, and lifestyle decisions save thousands annually.
Your Australian education journey deserves expert guidance every step of the way. AdmitX stands with you from university shortlisting to visa approval, bringing your study-abroad dreams to reality. Our end-to-end services include:
- University Selection Guidance
- SOP Review
- Study-Abroad Document Templates
- Free IELTS Bootcamp Course
- Scholarship Assistance
- Visa Support Services
And much more!
Book your free study abroad counselling session with our experts today!
FAQs
Which is the cheapest city to study in Australia?
Gold Coast ranks as Australia’s most affordable city with monthly costs of AUD 1,100-1,800 (₹63,701-₹1L), offering excellent universities and strong tourism employment opportunities.
How much cheaper is Adelaide compared to Sydney for student accommodation?
Adelaide offers around 40% lower rent than Sydney, with students saving approximately AUD 200-400 monthly on accommodation according to StudyAdelaide official data.
How much do international students need monthly to live in Canberra?
Canberra requires AUD 2,300-3,500 (₹1.33L-₹2L) monthly excluding tuition, though students access Australian National University ranked 32nd globally.
How many hours can international students work in Australia during term time?
International students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
What is the current minimum wage for international students working in Australia?
Australia’s national minimum wage is AUD 24.95 per hour as of 1 July 2025 for all workers including international students.
Do Indian students need health insurance to study in Australia?
Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa duration.
Which Australian banks offer student accounts for international students?
Major Australian banks including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB offer dedicated international student accounts with minimal fees.
Which sectors align with Australia's skills shortage lists for permanent residency?
Major sectors in the skills shortage list are- Technology & Digital Innovation, Healthcare & Aged Care, Engineering & Infrastructure, and Business & Finance Specialisations.
Which courses offer the highest starting salaries in Australia?
Master of Engineering (Mining) offers the highest starting salary at AUD 80,000–110,000 (₹45.6L–₹62.7L), followed by Master of Business Analytics – AUD 70,000–95,000 (₹39.9L–₹54.2L).
What is the post-study work visa duration for graduates in Australia?
Students can work in Australia for 3-4 years post-graduation, with the exact duration determined by their campus location (regional or non-regional areas).
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
