Guide to Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
Australia is one of the popular study destinations among international students in various fields of study, such as science, engineering and technology, nursing, economics, arts and culture, tourism and hospitality management, etc. This is due to the student-friendly environment, affordability, and employment opportunities that make the country 4th most popular study destination in the world, followed by the USA, UK, and Canada.
In this blog, we have presented a comprehensive analysis of living expenses in Australia for international students, empowering them to manage their budgets effectively before their arrival.
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students: Introduction
Estimating living expenses in any country for international students, including Indians, depends on several factors, such as accommodation costs, travel expenses, health insurance, food and groceries, daily utilities, and course duration. Students can manage their living expenses primarily by doing part-time jobs.
It is important to understand how everyday expenses can affect a student’s budget, as the cost of living in Australia varies significantly depending on location and lifestyle preferences.
Average Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
While residing in Australia, Indian students are expected to spend around AUD 1,000-3,680 or INR 55,800-2.03 Lakh per month to sustain themselves.
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 500-2,000 (INR 27,500-1.10 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 200-1,000 (INR 11,000-55,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 30-180 (INR 800-9,900) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 170-300 (INR 5,500-16,500) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 100-200 (INR 5,500-11,000) |
| Total Average Expenses (per month) | AUD 1,000-3,680 (INR 55,800-2.03 Lakh) |
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students: Popular Cities
The popular cities in Australia for Indian students are Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, and Gold Coast.These cities have gained reputation and recognition in recent years due to world-class universities such as the University of Sydney, University of Western Australia, South of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, etc., that provide high-quality education and rich lifestyle experiences.Let’s delve into these cities individually to learn more about the average living expenses locally.
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the most popular Australian cities for international students, offering a rich cultural scene and world-class institutes such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, La Trobe University and Victoria University. There are around 94,000 international students in the city. Melbourne is also considered as the food capital of Australia. The average living expenses in Melbourne are around AUD 2,260-4,080 (INR 1.24 Lakh-2.24 Lakh).
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,200-2,000 (INR 66,000-1.10 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 560-1,120 (INR 30,900-61,800) |
| Transportation | AUD 120-240 (INR 6,600-13,200) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 320-600 (INR 17,600-33,100) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 60-120 (INR 3,300-6,600) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 2,260-4,080 (INR 1.24 Lakh-2.24 Lakh) |
Perth
Perth is one of the major cities in Western Australia, home to several prestigious universities such as The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and Central Institute of Technology. The average cost of living in Perth is around AUD 1.650-2,800 or INR 90,600-1.50 Lakh per month.
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,100-1,900 (INR 60,400-1.04 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 200-350 (INR 11,000-19,300) |
| Transportation | AUD 150-200 (INR 8,200-11,000) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 120-200 (INR 6,600-11,000) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 80-100 (INR 4,400-5,500) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 1,650-2,800 (INR 90,600-1.50 Lakh) |
Sydney
Sydney is also one of the most popular cities in Australia, where international students find a high quality of life and a dynamic environment. Sydney is famous for its iconic beaches and opera houses. Institutes like the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University are situated in the city. The average cost of living in Sydney is around AUD 2,160-4,110 (INR 1.19 Lakh-2.27 Lakh).
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,400-2,500 (INR 77,200-1.54 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 200-1,000 (INR 11,000-60,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 200 (INR 11,000) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 200-250 (INR 11,000-13,800) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 160 (INR 8,800) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 2,160-4,110 (INR 1.19 Lakh-2.27 Lakh) |
Adelaide
Adelaide is situated in Southern Australia and is home to world-renowned universities such as the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University. The accommodation in Adelaide is available both on-campus and off-campus (shared apartment, private apartment and homestay). Adelaide also offers a convenient mode of transportation (buses trams and taxi services), which makes students’ journeys comfortable. The average cost of living in Adelaide is around AUD 1,135-2,060 (INR 62,700-1.13 Lakh)
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 500-1,000 (INR 27,600-55,000) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 200-800 (INR 16,500-66,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 15-60 (INR 800-3,200) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 320 (INR 17,000) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 100-200 (INR 5,500-11,000) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 1,135-2,060 (INR 62,700-1.13 Lakh) |
Brisbane
Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia, and it provides comfortable space for international students due to its student-friendly environment, convenient transport connections, and diverse community. The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Southern Queensland are located in the city, and students can find on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
The average cost of living in the city is around AUD 2,360-4,585 (INR 1.30-1.85 Lakh) per month. Due to inflation and other reasons, expenses are subject to change every year.
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,500-3,000 (INR 82,800-1 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 500-1,100 (INR 27,000-60,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 170-215 (INR 9,000-11,000) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 100-150 (INR 5,500-8,200) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 90-120 (INR 4,900-6,600) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 2,360-4,585 (INR 1.30-1.85 Lakh) |
Canberra
Canberra is the official capital city of Australia, and it is also considered the country’s cultural capital. The city provides a good student-friendly environment, high employment opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle to international students. Canberra is home to the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Canberra, the Australian Institute of Sports, etc. The monthly average living expenses in the city range between AUD 1,640-3,120 (INR 90,500-1.61 Lakh).
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,000-2,000 (INR 55,000-1.10 Lakh) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 400-600 (INR 22,000-33,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 40-120 (INR 2,200-6,600) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 120-200 (INR 6,600-11,000) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 80-200 (INR 4,400-11,000) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 1,640-3,120 (INR 90,500-1.61 Lakh) |
Gold Coast
Gold Coast is considered the cheapest Australian city for international students as compared to other largest cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, etc. It is the 6th largest city in the country and home to an average of 22% international students. Griffith University and Bond University are located in the city. The average cost of living on the Gold Coast is around AUD 1,580-3,180 (INR 87,200-1.74 Lakh).
| Type of Expenses | Average Expenses (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 1,000-1,800 (INR 55,000-99,000) |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 320-800 (INR 17,000-44,000) |
| Transportation | AUD 60-120 (INR 3,300-6,600) |
| Entertainment & Leisure | AUD 120-360 (INR 6,600-19,800) |
| Basic Utilities (Internet, Gas, Electricity, etc.) | AUD 80-100 (INR 4,400-5,500) |
| Total Average Expenses/Month | AUD 1,580-3,180 (INR 87,200-1.74 Lakh) |
Tips to Cut Living Expenses in Australia
Here, we have presented some of the important tips for reducing living expenses in Australia while studying.
Budget-Friendly Lifestyle: Adopting a budget-friendly lifestyle is essential for effective financial management. This can be accomplished by creating a weekly or monthly budget to ensure all necessary expenses are covered within available resources.
Shared or On-Campus Accommodation: Students can explore shared housing options or on-campus accommodation, if available, to reduce living expenses. Various agencies in Australia, such as Global Experience, Study Vision, Homestay Australia, Homestay Network, etc., help students by providing cheap housing options.
Using Public Transport Network: Using public transport networks such as buses and trams is a cost-effective way to reach desired destinations without spending extra money.
Cooking Food at Home: Students can learn cooking to prepare their food at home rather than dining out every day. This not only helps them save money but also keeps them healthy.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Living expenses play a major role in estimating the overall budget for overseas education. The average living expenses in Australia for international students generally range between AUD 1,000-3,680 or INR 55,800-2.03 Lakh. This may seem a little expensive for Indian students. Alternatively, applicants can opt for regional universities to pursue higher degree programs, as living in regional areas is significantly more affordable compared to major cities.
We at AdmitX are committed to providing the best possible assistance to applicants desiring to pursue their studies in Australia, from admission to accommodation.
FAQs
Is Australia very expensive for Indian students?
Yes, Australia is expensive for Indian students in comparison to the USA, UK, and Canada because of the high inflation and the policies of the local government. However, students can manage their living expenses through part-time jobs and internships.
How much is accommodation rent in Australia per month?
The average accommodation rent in Australia is around AUD 350-1,500 or INR 19,200-82,600 per month, depending on the city and the student’s preferred accommodation.
Do international students in Australia need to pay rent weekly?
In Australia, rents are paid weekly or fortnightly, depending on the circumstances and rent policies. However, international students can also choose to pay the rent in advance.
What are the average living expenses for international students in Australia?
The average cost of living in Australia for Indian students ranges between AUD 1,000-3,680 or INR 55,800-2.03 Lakh per month.
What is the study cost for Indian students in Australia?
The average study cost in Australia for Indian students ranges from AUD 21,000-48,000 or INR 12 Lakh-27 Lakh per year, depending on the course, degree, and university.
