Are you thinking about studying in Australia? If so, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Not only are Australia’s academic institutions top tier, its natural beauty and the quality of life it offers are also renowned. Before you head Down Under, it’s wise to estimate your monthly living expenses. This will help you establish and stick to a budget. As you prepare your budget, remember that the minimum proof of finances you’ll need to show was updated in May 2024 to reflect an increased cost of living. To save you time, we’ve assessed some of the most common cost of living expenses in Australia below.
Not sure where you’d like to study? Read more about the cost of living in Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States to inform your decision.
Living Expenses
Your living expenses will depend on factors like your dietary restrictions, housing choices, and personal hygiene must-haves. In Australia, groceries might be more expensive than you’re used to. By shopping at farmer’s markets (look for fruits and vegetables in season as they’ll be cheaper and likely tastier), or joining supermarket reward programs, you can save some money.
Housing costs vary depending on whether you’re in a student residence, apartment, homestay, or shared house, as well as which city or town you’re in. Typically, rural areas are more affordable than cities. In fact, living expenses in Sydney can be over 25% more expensive than other cities in Australia.
Here are some average cost of living expenses in Australia (as of September 2024):1
Scholarships can make studying abroad more affordable—check out our list of the top Australian scholarships open to international students.
Utilities
Utilities like heating, electricity, and water make your household pleasant and livable. If you’re living on-campus—whether in purpose-built housing, university-managed accommodation, or residential colleges—utilities will be included in your rent. However, if you’re living off-campus, you need to factor monthly utilities into your budget:2
Utility bills may vary depending on your:
- Housing type and location
- Lifestyle
- City and regional regulations
- Local climate
If you’re looking for a more specific estimate of what utilities in your building may cost, ask your building manager or landlord. If you’re not in contact with one, Study Australia’s cost of living calculator is helpful.
Remember to include the cost of your phone, television, and internet into your budget. Luckily, if you live on-campus, television and internet bills are often included in your monthly rent.
As an international student, you’ll have to purchase health and travel insurance before arriving in Australia, too.
Leisure
It’s important to also have fun while studying abroad! When deciding what to include in your leisure budget, ask yourself the following questions:
- How do I like to spend my weekends?
- What makes me feel good about myself?
- Which activities make me the happiest?
- What helps me unwind after a stressful day?
You may decide that a gym membership or surfing lessons will help you unwind and meet new friends. If so, see what your campus offers: there may be free or low-cost facilities or intramural sports you can join. Or, maybe you feel happiest during a night out at a movie or a club. No matter how you choose to relax, remember to save enough to cover your expenses in case of an emergency or change in circumstances. As a reference, here are some average costs for leisure activities in Australia:3
Many international students work while studying. Here are some strategies for finding part-time work in your field.
Transportation
For international students, taking public transport and bicycling are common travel options. If you’re in undergraduate studies, look at buying an International Student Transit pass (IST Pass). You can buy one for different lengths of time, and it will save you 50% on the full transit fare. Also, many cities in Australia have bikeshare programs, where you can borrow a bike to go short distances, if you’d rather not buy a bike or don’t have space for one. In general, if you live off-campus, you’ll spend more on public transportation than if you live on-campus:4
Academic Supplies
You can save money on textbooks and academic supplies if you’re strategic. When shopping for highlighters, sticky notes, and binders, buy what you need and try to reuse supplies from earlier semesters. Campus job fairs and other big events are great places to pick up free branded pens, notepads, and other supplies, too. Here’s a quick look at the average cost of academic supplies per academic year (9 months):5
When hunting for textbooks, see what you can borrow through your institution’s library as a long-term loan. Some books may even be available at your city library, if you’re in an intro course or reading books with general appeal. If you can’t borrow it, visit your university or college’s bookstore or use sites like StudentVIP to purchase it secondhand. Just make sure you’re buying the right edition!
Australia’s cities offer a range of climates, cultures, and communities. Wondering how to choose where to study in Australia? We’ve got you.
It’s crucial to consider all of these factors when planning to study abroad. Having a good grasp on your financial health and creating a monthly budget should be a key step in your preparation. Refer back to this blog when you want to start planning!
We can help you bring your study abroad dreams to life. Visit the ApplyBoard platform to find your perfect Australian academic institution and course today.
FOOTNOTES:
1. Sources: Study Adelaide, “Accommodation in Adelaide” (campus housing); UNSW Sydney, “Cost of living when you study in Australia” (campus housing); Kent Institute Australia, “A complete guide to living costs in Australia for students” (off-campus housing); Emilia Terzon, ABC News. “Share houses make comeback as rental crisis continues…” (share housing) Meagan Lawrence, Canstar Blue. “What is the average grocery bill?” (groceries); Australian National University, “Overseas Student Health Cover – Duration & Costs” (health care); Heonji Kim, ComparetheMarket. “How much are we spending on body cleansing products?” (hygiene).
2. All numbers are from Numbeo, “Cost of Living in Australia.”
3. All numbers are from Numbeo, “Cost of Living in Australia,” except Clothing (Cait Kelly, The Guardian, “Australians buy almost 15kg of clothes every year…“) and Entertainment (IDP IELTS, “Cost of Living in Australia for International Students 2024.”)
4. Sources: Transport NSW, “Opal single tickets” (transit); Chris Barnes, Choice. “How to buy the best bike for your needs” (cycling).
5. University of Sydney, “Living costs.”
