Knowing the average living costs is essential for your financial preparation if you plan to live in Australia, especially understanding the living expense in Australia for international students.
Students' overall cost of living in Australia depends on several factors such as the individual lifestyle, the city they choose to live in, commuting and food habits, etc.
Whereas the following factors can determine the monthly living costs:
Insurance
Groceries
Utilities
Considering all the above factors, Australia's average cost of living is between AUD 35,000 and 40,000 per year. Overall, Australia's cost of living is higher than countries like the UK, Canada, and the US. However, it is still one of the international students' most preferred study destinations.
For reference purposes, below are some costs associated with studying and living in Australia. You should know that these costs may vary depending on your location in Australia.
Accommodations
Accommodation | Living Costs |
---|---|
Boarding Schools |
AUD 11,000 to 22,000 per year |
Homestay |
AUD 235 to 325 per week |
Rental |
AUD 165 to 440 per week |
On-Campus |
AUD 90 to 280 per week |
Shared Rental |
AUD 85 to 215 per week |
Hostels and Guesthouses |
AUD 90 to 150 per week |
Other Living Expenses
Car (after purchase) |
AUD 150 to 260 per week |
---|---|
Eating Out and Groceries |
AUD 80 to 280 per week |
Entertainment |
AUD 80 to 150 per week |
Electricity and Gas |
AUD 35 to 140 per week |
Internet and Phone |
AUD 20 to 55 per week |
Public Transport |
AUD 15 to 55 per week |
Out of all the other living costs in Australia, transport and housing costs significantly affect international students. These two high costs vary around different territories and states in Australia.
Let's discuss the average public transport and housing cost in Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory. These costs will help international students plan their finances according to their chosen location.
1. New South Wales (NSW)
Housing
The weekly rent of a shared house or flat in Sydney is between AUD 200 and AUD 300, and for the one-bedroom unit, the rent is between AUD 400 and AUD 550.
Whereas in the regional area of New South Wales, the weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit starts from AUD 250 to 350, and the cost for a three-bedroom may range between AUD 300 and AUD 350.
Public Transport
It's convenient to travel in Sydney as it provides various public transportation facilities like the monorail, buses, ferries, trains, and light rail. You should know that NSW doesn't give concessions to full-time international students on transportation fares. But there's an exception for international students with Australian Government scholarships.
The transportation cost may range between AUD 40 and 58. The transportation fees for those who have concession passes are somewhere between AUD 20 and 30 weekly. In regional NSW, there is limited access to public transportation, so you should buy a car.
2. Queensland (QLD)
Housing
The weekly rental price of a one-bedroom unit in Brisbane is around AUD 300; for a three-bedroom apartment, the rental cost starts from AUD 350 per week. In the regional areas of Queensland, the rental price for a unit varies.
In the far north region of Queensland, a unit may cost you approximately AUD 240 per week, and in the Gold Coast area, the price of a unit starts from AUD 350 per week.
Public Transport
In Queensland, all full-time students get a concession on transportation fares. For a single trip, the transportation fares with concession range between AUD 2.00 and AUD 12.30, depending on which place you are visiting.
You can use your electronic cards on ferries, trains, and buses across southeast Queensland.
3. Victoria (VIC)
Housing
In Melbourne, Australia cost of living in a one-bedroom unit is about AUD 300 and AUD 350 for a three-bedroom apartment. Whereas in the regional areas of Victoria, a unit costs you between AUD 190 and AUD 270, and a three-bedroom apartment ranges between AUD 250 to 320.
Public Transport
In Melbourne, you can travel around in trains, buses or trams. Similar to New South Wales, Victoria doesn't give international students concessions on transportation fares. For travelling in zone 1, the full-fare tickets will cost you $7.00.
To travel in zone 2, it will cost you $5, and to travel between zone 1 and 2, it will cost you $11.00.
You can choose from hourly, weekly, monthly and yearly options, according to your convenience. However, in the regional areas of Victoria, the transport facility is limited. You can consider travelling here with other transportation options like a car or a bicycle.
4. Tasmania (TAS)
Housing
The rental price for a one-bedroom unit in Hobart is around AUD 205, and for a three-bedroom apartment, the rent may start from AUD 350. Also, you can talk to your provider about other off-campus or on-campus facilities available and then accordingly determine the costs.
Public Transport
Cities in Tasmania like Burnie, Hobart, and Launceston offer campus bus services on weekdays, which makes it easy to travel around the cities. International students also get a concession on fares to purchase a daily ticket for around AUD 3.
5. South Australia (SA)
Housing
In Adelaide, a house's rental price ranges between AUD 165 and AUD 440 per week. In the outer suburbs of South Australia, the rental cost for a three-bedroom apartment is around AUD 280 and AUD 330 for the inner suburbs.
Public Transport
In Adelaide, you can take a bus, train or tram. You also get a concession fare if you are a full-time international student. A multi-trip ticket with concession costs you around AUD 14.
6. Western Australia (WA)
Housing
In Perth, the weekly rental cost of a one-bedroom unit costs around AUD 300 and AUD 350 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Public Transport
In major cities like Perth and Fremantle, you can use many transportation services, including ferries, trains, and buses. International students who are studying full-time can even purchase a SmartRider card.
The transportation fare in Western Australia may cost you between AUD 0.50 to AUD 4, depending on the zone you are travelling to.
7. Northern Territory (NT)
Housing
In the city of Darwin, the average rental cost of a unit is AUD 300 and AUD 450 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Public Transport
Buses usually run regularly in the central Darwin area and campuses at Palmerston and Casuarina. Still, the bus services are limited at night and on weekends.
8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Housing
In Canberra, the average rental price of a unit is around AUD 400. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average cost is AUD 450.
Public Transport
Canberra has an exceptional bus network in which ACTON operates. The buses use an electronic ticketing system that allows travellers to swipe a prepaid card. Also, international students get concessions on fares during peak and off-peak hours.
Suppose you need guidance and more information on managing finances in Australia. In that case, you can visit ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) website.
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