How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Australia as an International Student? A Complete Breakdown

Moving to Australia is an exciting chapter filled with new opportunities, independence, and unforgettable experiences. But before you pack your bags, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is:

“How much will it actually cost to live in Australia as an international student?”

Whether you’re planning to study in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or elsewhere, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle, suburb, and accommodation choice. This guide gives you a transparent, practical breakdown of real living costs — so you can budget confidently and avoid financial surprises.

📍 1. Weekly Rent Costs

Rent will always be your biggest expense. Prices vary by city and suburb, but here’s a realistic breakdown based on 2025 rental trends. Prices displayed are average for each state and may be more.

⭐ Melbourne

• Shared house: $180–$300/week

• Studio / 1-bedroom flat: $350–$520/week

• Student accommodation: $320–$500/week

• Homestay: $330–$370/week (meals included)

⭐ Sydney

• Shared house: $230–$350/week

• Studio / 1-bedroom flat: $420–$650/week

• Student accommodation: $350–$520/week

• Homestay: $350–$400/week

⭐ Brisbane

• Shared house: $170–$260/week

• Studio / 1-bedroom flat: $300–$420/week

• Student accommodation: $280–$420/week

⭐ Adelaide / Perth (More Affordable Cities)

• Shared house: $150–$230/week

• Studio / 1-bedroom flat: $250–$380/week

• Student accommodation: $250–$380/week

What Affects Rent?

• Distance from city or university

• Public transport access

• Whether the property is furnished

• Number of housemates

• Building age and amenities

Tip: If you want the best value, consider suburbs 15–25 minutes from the CBD. You’ll save hundreds per month without feeling far from city life.

🔌 2. Utilities & Internet

Some rentals include utilities, but most do not — especially flats and shared houses.

Average Monthly Costs per Person:

• Electricity: $40–$70

• Gas: $15–$30

• Water: $10–$25

• Internet (Wi-Fi): $20–$30

Total: $80–$150 per month

Your usage, home size, and number of housemates all influence your bill.

Tip: If you’re in a shared house, split bills equally and track them using an app (Splitwise, Beem, etc.).

🚆 3. Public Transport Costs

Australia’s transport system is reliable, clean, and student-friendly. Your cost will depend on how frequently you commute.

Melbourne (Myki Card)

• Daily travel (student concession): $5–$7/day

• Weekly average: $25–$40

Sydney (Opal Card)

• Weekly average: $30–$50

• Students benefit from capped weekly fare limits.

Brisbane (Go Card)

• Weekly average: $20–$35

Budget Recommendation: $25–$50 per week

Tip: Living near your university reduces transport costs significantly.

🥘 4. Groceries & Food Costs

Weekly Grocery Budget:

• Low-budget: $60–$80/week

• Average student: $80–$120/week

• Higher-end (lots of meat, snacks, or speciality foods): $120–$150/week

Eating Out

Australia has incredible food — but eating out is expensive.

• Café meal: $18–$25

• Boba/bubble tea: $6–$9

• Fast food: $10–$15

• Restaurant meal: $25–$40

Monthly Food Estimate: $350–$550

Tip: Cooking at home saves hundreds each month. Students often shop at:

• Aldi (cheapest)

• Coles & Woolworths (most convenient)

• Asian grocers for bulk rice/noodles

📱 5. Phone Plan & Subscriptions

You’ll need a local SIM card. Australia has strong and affordable prepaid plans.

Phone Plans

• Boost Mobile: $15–$30/month

• Optus / Vodafone: $20–$40/month

• Telstra (premium coverage): $30–$50/month

Subscriptions (Optional)

Netflix, Spotify, Apple iCloud, Canva, language apps, etc.
Average student spends: $20–$40/month

Total: $20–$60/month

✈️ 6. One-Off Costs When You Arrive

These are often forgotten but essential to budget for.

Bond (Refundable):

• Usually 4 weeks’ rent

First Rent Payment:

• Often 2 weeks’ rent in advance

Furniture / Bedding Setup:

• Basic setup: $200–$400

• Full setup (desk, chair, kitchen items): $400–$800

Airport Transport:

• $20–$40 using SkyBus or $50–$80 by Uber/taxi

• Some universities offer free pick-up services

Arrival Budget: $600–$1,200 (not including bond)

🧮 7. Example Monthly Budget for a Student in Melbourne

(Based on average shared accommodation)

Total Monthly Estimate:

$1,650 – $1,925 per month
($19,800 – $23,100 per year)

Your personal habits may raise or lower this amount.

💡 8. How to Save Money as an International Student

* Choose a shared house over a studio

* Live 15–25 minutes outside the CBD

* Cook most of your meals

* Buy groceries at Aldi

* Use student discounts (public transport, cinema, apps)

* Buy second-hand furniture

* Use Navvia’s budgeting template to track your spending

🌟 Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Budget Smart, and Enjoy the Experience

Australia offers an incredible lifestyle — but living costs can surprise you if you’re unprepared.

By understanding real rental prices, weekly expenses, and one-off arrival costs, you can build a reliable budget and avoid unnecessary stress.

At Navvia, we help international students:
✔ Find the right accommodation
✔ Set up realistic budgets
✔ Understand rental expenses
✔ Choose safe, affordable suburbs

If you want personalised guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Book your free consultation and start planning your move with confidence.