- The cost of living in Perth for international students ranges between AUD 2,000–3,000 (₹1.3–1.9 lakhs) per month.
- Shared accommodation in outer Perth suburbs costs AUD 120-250 (₹7,620-15,875) weekly, saving 30-50% compared to city centre rates.
- Perth’s Go Anywhere Fare at AUD 2.80 (₹178) with SmartRider Autoload provides unlimited 3-hour travel across the entire Transperth network from January 2026.
Perth stands as Western Australia‘s vibrant capital, offering international students quality education at a more affordable cost compared to Sydney or Melbourne. International students typically spend AUD 2,000-3,000 (₹1.3-1.9 lakhs) monthly depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle. Smart budgeting and strategic location decisions reduce overall expenses without compromising your student experience.
In this blog, we will break down the cost of living in Perth for international students, covering accommodation, transport, food, and practical money-saving strategies.
Cost of Living in Perth: Detailed Breakdown
Living in Perth requires careful budgeting across multiple expense categories that accumulate throughout the academic year.
International students typically spend between AUD 2,000-3,000 (₹1.3-1.9 lakhs) monthly depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation type. City centre locations command premium prices, but suburbs and areas further from the CBD offer more affordable alternatives without sacrificing access to universities or amenities.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | AUD 520-2,480 (₹33,020-₹1.6 lakhs) |
| Groceries/Food | AUD 200-400 (₹12,700-25,400) |
| Public Transport | AUD 48-80 (₹3,048-5,080) |
| Utilities | AUD 80-150 (₹5,080-9,525) |
| Phone/Internet | AUD 50-80 (₹3,175-5,080) |
| Entertainment/Personal | AUD 100-200 (₹6,350-12,700) |
| Total Monthly Cost | AUD 2,000-3,000 (₹1.3-1.9 lakhs) |
Student Accommodation Costs in Perth
Housing represents your largest monthly expense, with costs varying dramatically between city centre and suburban locations.
Finding affordable accommodation in Perth challenges most international students. University dormitories provide convenience but often cost more than shared apartments in suburban areas. Purpose-built student accommodation offers middle-ground options with inclusive utilities and social environments.
University Accommodation:
- University Dormitory: AUD 460-620 per week (₹29,210-39,370)
-
Includes meals and utilities
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation:
- Studio/Private Room: AUD 229-680 per week (₹14,552-43,180)
-
Shared Apartment: AUD 195-400 per week (₹12,383-25,400)
Shared Private Accommodation:
- City Centre Share House: AUD 170-250 per week (₹10,795-15,875)
- Suburban Share House: AUD 120-200 per week (₹7,620-12,700)
- Homestay (with meals): AUD 290-325 per week (₹18,415-20,638)
Transport Expenses in Perth
Perth’s extensive public transport system makes car ownership unnecessary, saving thousands annually on vehicle costs.
The Transperth network operates buses, trains, and ferries across all Perth suburbs and surrounding areas. The Go Anywhere Fare introduced on 1 January 2026 revolutionised student transport costs by replacing the zone system with flat-rate fares. Full-time international students benefit from over 50% concession discounts through the Tertiary SmartRider card.
Transperth Transport Costs (Effective 1 January 2026):
- Go Anywhere Fare (SmartRider with Autoload): AUD 2.80 (₹178)
- Go Anywhere Fare (Standard SmartRider): AUD 3.15 (₹200)
- Go Anywhere Fare (Cash/Card): AUD 3.50 (₹222)
- Go Anywhere Concession (Tertiary SmartRider with Autoload): AUD 1.28 (₹81)
- Go Anywhere Concession (Standard): AUD 1.60 (₹102)
- DayRider Pass: AUD 7.00 (₹445)
-
Free Transport: Sundays (all SmartRider holders)
Additional Transport Information:
- Tertiary SmartRider Card Cost: AUD 10 (₹635)
- CAT buses within Perth CBD: Free
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): AUD 15-30 per trip (₹953-1,905)
Food and Grocery Shopping in Toronto
Daily food expenses vary based on cooking habits, dining preferences, and shopping locations throughout the city.
Cooking at home drastically reduces food costs compared to frequent restaurant meals. Budget supermarkets like Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths offer affordable options for international students. Local markets provide fresh produce at competitive prices.
Weekly Grocery Estimates:
- Budget Shopping: AUD 50-75 (₹3,175-4,763) at Aldi, Coles
-
Regular Shopping: AUD 75-100 (₹4,763-6,350)
Dining Out Costs:
- Meal Out: AUD 20-60 (₹1,270-3,810) per person
- Fast Food Meal: AUD 10-15 (₹635-953)
- Coffee: AUD 4.50-7 (₹286-445)
- Campus Lunch: AUD 10-20 (₹635-1,270)
- Pizza Slice: AUD 5-8 (₹318-508)
- Breakfast: AUD 12-20 (₹762-1,270)
Utilities and Internet Costs in Perth
Monthly utility bills add another layer to housing expenses, varying based on apartment size and shared arrangements.
Utilities typically include electricity, water, internet, and phone services. Many shared apartments and purpose-built student accommodations include utilities in rent, reducing individual burden. Perth’s mild Mediterranean climate keeps heating and cooling costs moderate compared to other Australian cities.
Average Monthly Utilities (when not included in rent):
- Electricity: AUD 50-100 (₹3,175-6,350)
- Water (quarterly bill): AUD 68 (₹4,318) or AUD 204 per year
- Internet: AUD 50-70 (₹3,175-4,445)
- Phone Plan: AUD 20-45 (₹1,270-2,858)
- Total (if shared among roommates): AUD 80-150 (₹5,080-9,525)
Affordable Universities in Perth for Master’s Programmes
Perth offers internationally recognised universities with comparatively lower tuition and living costs than Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive destination for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in Australia.
| University | Annual Tuition Fees | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch University | AUD 29,000–38,000 (₹15.9–20.9 lakhs) | Business, IT, Education, Environmental Science, Psychology |
| Edith Cowan University (ECU) | AUD 31,100–45,400 (₹17.1–25 lakhs) | Cybersecurity, Nursing, Engineering, MBA, Data Science |
| Curtin University | AUD 29,200–49,000 (₹16.1–27 lakhs) | Engineering, Business Analytics, Public Health, Mining |
| University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) | AUD 26,400–40,000 (₹14.5–22 lakhs) | Education, Health Sciences, Business |
Key Takeaways
Perth’s monthly living costs range from AUD 2,000-3,000 (₹1.3-1.9 lakhs) for international students, with accommodation consuming the largest portion of your budget. Choosing suburban share houses over city centre apartments saves AUD 200-1,800 (₹12,700-₹1.1 lakhs) monthly on rent without compromising access to educational opportunities.
The Go Anywhere Fare at AUD 2.80 (₹178) with SmartRider Autoload introduced on 1 January 2026 provides excellent value for daily commuting across Perth. Tertiary SmartRider cards offer full-time international students over 50% concession discounts. Free Sunday transport and free CAT buses further reduce monthly costs. Cooking at home instead of dining out saves approximately AUD 320-640 (₹20,320-40,640) monthly, making budgeting more manageable throughout your academic year.
At AdmitX, our expert counsellors have successfully guided thousands of Indian students to top Australian universities, providing support including
- University Selection Guidance
- SOP ReviewÂ
- Study-Abroad Document TemplatesÂ
- Free IELTS Bootcamp CourseÂ
- Scholarship Assistance
Visa Support Services
Book your FREE study-abroad counselling session with our experts today!Â
FAQs
What is the average monthly cost of living in Perth for international students?
International students spend between AUD 2,000-3,000 (₹1.3-1.9 lakhs) monthly depending on accommodation and lifestyle choices.
How much does student accommodation cost per week in Perth?
Shared accommodation costs AUD 120-250 (₹7,620-15,875) weekly in suburbs and AUD 170-250 (₹10,795-15,875) in city centres.
What is the Go Anywhere Fare in Perth for students?
The Go Anywhere Fare costs AUD 1.28 (₹81) for Tertiary SmartRider holders with Autoload, offering unlimited 3-hour travel.
Can international students work part-time in Perth?
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks.
How much does health insurance (OSHC) cost for international students in Perth?
OSHC costs approximately AUD 500-700 (₹31,750-44,450) annually depending on the provider and coverage level chosen.
What is the cheapest OSHC provider for international students in Australia?
AHM offers the most affordable single OSHC at approximately AUD 500 (₹31,750) per year as of February 2026.
Do international students pay full fare on public transport in Perth?
No, full-time international students receive over 50% concession discounts with a Tertiary SmartRider card on all Transperth services.
How much do groceries cost per week for students in Perth?
Budget grocery shopping costs AUD 50-75 (₹3,175-4,763) weekly at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Coles.
Are utilities included in student accommodation in Perth?
Purpose-built student accommodation typically includes utilities, but private share houses usually require separate utility payments split among roommates.
What is the minimum financial requirement for an Australian student visa in 2026?
International students must demonstrate AUD 29,710 (₹1.9 lakhs) annually to cover living expenses as per visa requirements.
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.
