Living Cost In Australia For International Students: Explained

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

• House Rent

• Transportation

• 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

Other Living Expenses

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. 

Useful Links to Explore: 

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?