Are you aware of the cost of living in Australia? One of the most important factors to look at is whether you have decided on your higher studies in Australia or are thinking about studying at Australian Universities. Living costs include various sub-categories, accommodation, food, utilities and miscellaneous expenses.
Before proceeding further, let’s clarify that tuition fees and Cost of living are two different brackets of study abroad. Students who would like to study in Australia should be aware that they need to bear tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia. Tuition fees cover education costs; however cost of living covers everyday expenses in Australia.
Cost of Living in Australia: Elements
The following are the factors that influence the cost of living in Australia.
- Accommodation types There are various types of accommodation, like Homestays, Halls of Residence, Apartments and shared apartments. The monthly cost of accommodation starts from 24809 INR to 52374 INR.
- Food and Groceries- Food is an integral part of living; without this, none can survive. Every day, eating out can be expensive. To make a sustainable living in Australia. The average cost of living for a student is 4,000 to 6,000 INR.
- Student concessions and average monthly cost – Australia offers a student allowance on public transport in many states, like Melbourne and Queensland. Students who study in Australia can get concessions on travel cards such as the Opal Card (Sydney) or Myki Card (Melbourne). A discounted monthly travel pass can cost between ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. One piece of advice for students is to always carry your student ID to avail discounts on buses, trains, and even intercity travel.
- Electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills breakdown- If students living off campus, they need to pay separately for electricity, water, gas and internet. Electricity, water, Internet and Wifi can cost you from 10,000 to 14,000 INR.
- Minimum wage, work hours allowed, and potential monthly earnings.
- Transportation Costs- Students getting around in Australia is convenient and affordable. Most international students can use public transport such as buses, trains, and trams to commute to nearby places. The average monthly cost starts from ₹5,000 to ₹9,000. Many universities are close to transport stops, making travel easier for International students.
Tips for students to save expenses
The cost of living in Australia can be manageable. If you can cook your meals instead of eating out regularly.
- To save cost, you can share accommodation to split rent and utility bills.
- Use student travel concessions for daily travel.
- Take advantage of student discounts on food, movies, and shopping apps.
Part-Time Jobs during studies in Australia
Australia is a developed country with the best living standards. The cost of living in Australia is high, but part-time job opportunities can help students balance their expenses. International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during the semester and full-time during semester breaks. The Minimum income as per 2025 is ₹1,300 to ₹1,400 per hour. The popular part-time roles include retail assistant, café staff, delivery rider, or on-campus jobs. These earnings can comfortably cover living expenses if managed properly.
Cost of living in Australia per month
| Expenses | Per-month cost |
| Accommodation | ₹44,000 to ₹82,500 |
| Food | ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 |
| Local Transportation | ₹4,000 to ₹9,000 |
| Other | ₹5,500 to ₹11,000 |
Final Words
The cost of living in Australia includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Students should get an overview of studying in Australia, and understanding living costs is essential for those who would like to study abroad in one of the top universities. Students should be aware of the cost of living to go through during the course. It is one of the key factors that affect the decision of students as a whole. The cost of living can be manageable with guidance and expert support from Education Vibes, helping students plan their study abroad journey wisely.
