Cost of Living in Australia for International Students 2026

The average cost of living in Australia for international students ranges between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 every month, covering various costs such as food, accommodation, transportation, utilities, etc. Australia is one of the ideal destinations for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. According to a report from the Australian Government Department of Education on the spending and income of international students, the median yearly expenditure amounted to AUD 42884.89. This primarily covers expenses such as rent, food, and household supplies. Additionally, there is an allocation of around AUD 3778 per year for study-related costs. Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia in terms of living followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra. Living in Australia can be a great experience due to its excellent educational facilities, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery. If you are planning to study in Australia, this blog will help you with how much it costs to study and live in Australia, along with valuable money-saving tips.

Table of Contents

• What is the average living cost in Australia?
• Types of Living Expenses in Australia for Students
• University Tuition Fees in Australia
• Living Costs for International Students in Australia: Based on Cities and Suburbs
• Comparing Australia’s living expenses to other countries
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is the average living cost in Australia?

The average monthly cost of living in Australia, excluding rent, is around INR 97,500. This covers various daily expenses like food, medical needs, and transportation. When it comes to rent, the average ranges from INR 1.2-1.3 lakh within the city center to INR 1.1-1.2 lakh outside the city. The cost can differ a lot based on location, the size of your family, and the way you live. For example, living in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne usually means higher housing costs, whereas regional areas are generally more budget-friendly.

Monthly cost of living in Australia for international students

Check the table below for an overview of the monthly expenses excluding tuition fees.

Expenses	Average cost per month	Average cost per month INR
Accommodation	AUD 297 – AUD 743	INR 16,083 - INR 40,235
Food & Groceries	AUD 208 – AUD 416	INR 11,263 - INR 22,527
Transportation	AUD 44 – AUD 89	INR 2,382 - INR 4819
Household Bills	AUD 14 – AUD 29	INR 758 - INR 1570
Shopping	AUD 118 – AUD 223	INR 6390 - INR 12076
Miscellaneous	AUD 22 – AUD 29	INR 1191 - INR 1570

Cost of living in Australia for Indian families & students

Living expenses in Australia, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, can be higher compared to India. In 2026, the average monthly cost for a family of four ranges from AUD 4,500 – 7,500, excluding entertainment and other optional spending. However, this can vary based on factors like your location, family size, and lifestyle choices. Some cities in Australia have low cost of living and similar facilities. For instance, housing costs are higher in major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, whereas regional areas offer more affordable options. The typical cost of living in Australia for families varies depending on family size, usually falling within the range of 2 to 4 individuals, reflecting the prevalence of nuclear families.

• For a family of four, the anticipated monthly expenses are approximately AUD 6105.5/INR 332,283.1, excluding rent. 
• Meanwhile, a single individual can expect monthly costs of around AUD 1,730.3/INR 94,168 without rent.
• On average, the cost of living in Australia is nearly 231.6% greater than in India. When it    comes to rent, the average cost in Australia is significantly higher, standing at approximately 519.9% above the rates in India.

Source: Numbeo

Types of Living Expenses in Australia for Students

In Australia, your living expenses are determined by your accommodation choice and how often you explore the area. As an international student, you'll want around 2,000 AUD per month to cover your travel and dining expenses. Accommodation expenses, including mortgages, utilities, and upkeep, take the top spot. Food costs come next, followed by transportation expenses encompassing fuel, insurance, registration, parking, and public transit fares. Let's look into each of the types of expenses to study in Australia in detail: 

1. Accommodation Costs

The cost of accommodation in Australia is influenced by your choice of location and type. If you're an international student pursuing higher education, your monthly rent is a significant portion of your overall living expenses, depending on your choice of on-campus or off-campus housing. Numerous choices for accommodation are available to you, such as hall of residence shared housing, and local homestays. The hall of residence is the most well-liked option for international students.

Check the table below for an overview of the average monthly rental expenses

Type of accommodation	Average monthly rent	Average monthly rent INR
Homestays	AUD 450 - AUD 1,200	INR 24,368 - INR 64,983
Halls of residence	AUD 440 - AUD 1,100	INR 23,827 - INR 59,568
Apartments	AUD 750 - AUD1,700	INR 40,614 - INR 92,060
Shared apartment	AUD 650 - AUD 950	INR 35,199 - INR 51,445

When it comes to Australian cities, Canberra is the most expensive state capital in the country to rent an apartment, with an average monthly rent of over AUD 4842.43. The average monthly rent in Sydney is approximately AUD 4372.15. Melbourne has the lowest average monthly rent of any state capital, with a rental price of AUD 3161.55.

2. Food & Groceries Expenses

Monthly living expenses in Australia usually include food, and it can be more affordable if you cook your meals rather than dining at expensive restaurants regularly. Eating out frequently can significantly raise your costs.

A helpful approach is to find local grocery stores in Australia that offer ingredients for your native meals.  For many international students, cooking their own food is a common and convenient habit that helps them manage their living expenses.

Here are the costs for some essential food and groceries:

Grocery Products	Average Cost	Average Cost in INR
White Rice 1 kg	AUD 2.64	INR 142.96
A Dozen Eggs	AUD 5.36	INR 290.26
White Fat Milk 1 Litre	AUD 1.24	INR 67.15
Fast Food Combo Meal	AUD 12	INR 649.84
1 kg / Apples	AUD 4.32	INR 233.94
1 kg / Bananas	AUD 3.18	INR 172.21
1 kg / Oranges	AUD 4	INR 216.61
500 gr Local Cheese	AUD 9	INR 487.38
Tomatoes 1 kg	AUD 5.08	INR 275.10
Lettuce	AUD 3.56	INR 192.78
1.5 Litres of Water	AUD 2.20	INR 119.14
Potatoes 1 kg	AUD 3.35	INR 181.41
Bread (for 2 people)	AUD 2.78	INR 150.55

3. Transportation Costs

It's critical for students to understand how much transport costs in Australia. You can also use public transport, which is highly practical and has excellent connections throughout the city. Compared to using taxis, using the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be very affordable.

Here is a summary of some of the transportation expenses:

Transportation	Average Cost	Average Cost in INR
One-way local transport ticket	AUD 3-6	INR 162.46 - 324.92
Taxi Tariff	AUD 3.60-7	INR 194.95 - 379.07
Gasoline (1 litre)	AUD 1.19-1.60	INR 64.44 - 86.64
Taxi 1 Km	AUD 1.62-3.20	INR 87.73 - 173.29
Monthly Pass	AUD 90-220.70	INR 4873.77 - 11951.56

Below are some important insights into reducing the average cost of public transport in various Australian cities. This includes key details about discounts and other strategies.

• Canberra: Discounts are accessible through the MyWay Card, and in some cases, certain passengers may qualify for free travel. A MyWay Adult Card for a single trip costs approximately AUD 3.14.
• Sydney: Opal Card discounts apply to trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. The cost of an Adult Opal Card ranges from AUD 3.5 to AUD 7, depending on the mode of transportation.
• Melbourne: Travelers using the SmartRider card can check with the bus driver for potential transport concessions. The card's cost varies from AUD 2 to AUD 11, depending on the traveler, and students may be eligible for discounts.

4. Utilities Expenses

The cost of utilities in Australia can vary significantly depending on where you live and how much you use. The bills for electricity, water, internet etc are important and should be paid on time.

Check the table below for an overview of the average monthly costs for utilities. 

Utilities	Average Cost	Average Cost in INR
Internet	AUD 87	INR 4711.31
Basic Utilities such as Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage, etc	AUD 332	INR 17978.79
Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local	AUD 0.10-1	INR 5.42 - 54.15
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	AUD 44.69	INR 2420.10

 Here is a breakdown of utility costs across several Australian cities:

Monthly Utility Costs for 2 People	Sydney	Melbourne	Perth	Brisbane	Canberra
	$180	$266	$291	$202	$233

5. Entertainment Costs

Being an international student in a country like Australia, you'll likely find that entertainment and recreational activities come with relatively higher prices. This dynamic environment could attract you with a wide range of options from trendy clothing and delectable dining to branded attire and more. Even if you manage to restrain your shopping impulses, you can still expect to spend approximately 80 AUD on monthly shopping expenses and entertainment activities in Australia.

Check the table below for an overview of the average monthly costs for sports, clothing and leisure activities.

Sports, leisure activities & Shopping	Average Cost	Average Cost in INR
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	AUD 80.07	INR 4336.03
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	AUD 26.11	INR 1413.93
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	AUD 21.00	INR 1137.21
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	AUD 125.34	INR 6787.53
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M,.)	AUD 84.22	INR 4560.76
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	AUD 177.82	INR 9629.48
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	AUD 201.73	INR 10924.28

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

Lastly, miscellaneous expenses cover various items like stationery, and additional living costs. These expenses can differ from person to person and largely hinge on your chosen lifestyle. Hence, it's essential to plan accordingly and consider budgeting based on average expenses in Australia, avoiding luxury items. Here are some examples of miscellaneous costs to consider:

Miscellaneous expenses	Average Cost	Average Cost in INR
Household Items	AUD 80	INR 4332
Books & Stationery	AUD 10	INR 541
Toiletries	AUD 11	INR 595
Other	AUD 50	INR 2707

University Tuition Fees in Australia

The largest amount of the budget is spent on tuition fees. But that depends on the university, the area, and the course of study you have selected. The average annual tuition cost for bachelor's degree programs is between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000, while the average annual tuition cost for master's and doctoral programs is between AUD 20,000 and AUD 50,000.

The cost of education in Australia can be high, particularly for international students. Applying for scholarships can result in lower tuition or full scholarship funding, from which you could save a significant amount of money.

University	Average UG fee (Annually in AUD)	Average PG Fee (Annually in AUD)
University of Melbourne	AUD 24,320- AUD 94,944 (INR 13,21,713 - INR 51,59,900)	Around AUD 46,304 (INR 25,16,473)
Victoria University	AUD 20,000-AUD 23,600 (INR 10,86,935 - INR 12,82,584)	AUD 21,400 - AUD 26,800 INR (11,63,021-INR 14,56,493 )
University of New England	AUD 19,920 -AUD 25,560 (INR 10,82,587 - INR 13,89,103)	AUD 21,800 - AUD 26,400 (INR 1184759.80 - INR 1434754.99)
Western Sydney University	AUD 22,000 -AUD 29,000 (INR 11,95,629 - INR 15,76,056)	AUD 24,280- 29,000 (INR 13,19,539-15,76,056 )

City-Wise Living Expenses in Australia

The location where you stay has a big impact on how much it costs for Indian students to live in Australia. For example, the average cost of living in Australia would be significantly higher in metropolitan areas like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne than it would be in suburban areas like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, Spring Hill, and many others.

Let's look at the differences in living expenses between Australia's cities and suburban areas that are well-known for having prestigious universities:

Expensive Cities in Australia: Cost of living

City name	Average cost of living in AUD per month	Average cost of living in INR per month
Melbourne	AUD 2,800 - 3,500	INR 1,51,375. - 1,89,219
Sydney	AUD 3000 - 4500	INR 1,62,188 - 2,43,282
Brisbane	AUD 2500 - 3000	INR 1,35,156 - 1,62,188
Adelaide	AUD 2000 - 3500	INR 1,08,125 - 1,89,219
Perth	AUD 2500 - 3000	INR 1,35,156 - 1,62,188
Canberra	AUD 2700 - 3500	INR 1,45,969 - 1,89,219
Gold Coast	AUD 2300 - 3000	INR 1,24,344 - 1,62,188

 Cheapest Cities in Australia: Cost of Living

The Top 5 Cheapest Cities in Australia and average the cost of living below

City name	Average cost of living in AUD per month	Average cost of living in INR per month
Bendigo	AUD 1,315	INR 1Lakh
Wagga Wagga	AUD 1,361	INR 1.13 Lakh
Bunbury	AUD 1,372	INR 1.14 Lakh
Shepparton	AUD 1,391	INR 1.15 Lakh
Rockhampton	AUD 1,392	INR 1.16 Lakh

7 Tips to reduce living expenses in Australia

Here are the tips for Indian students planning to reduce the cost of living in Australia:

• Budget Wisely for Food: Students in Australia can save on food costs by dining out less, planning meals, and opting for local and seasonal items from farmer's markets. Avoid costly cafe visits and indulge in picnics at beautiful beaches and parks. Prepare your own meals, bring coffee from home, and pack a lunch and breakfast.
• Save on Electricity: Australia's power costs can strain budgets, so conserve energy by using natural cooling, turning off appliances, and unplugging when not in use. 
• Enjoy Free Public Events: Australia offers numerous free public events, including live music, outdoor movie screenings, and affordable beach barbeques.
• Stay Fit for Free: Students can stay active without expensive gym memberships. Australia's climate encourages outdoor activities, and many communities offer free fitness programs and outdoor workout stations.
• Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts in Australia with the ISIC Card and student ID, saving on various expenses, including flights, transportation, and shopping.
• Opt for Public Transportation: Use public transportation instead of expensive cabs, with many universities having good links to transit facilities. Look for student discounts on monthly or weekly passes.
• Share Living Expenses: Consider renting a unit, apartment, or house with family or friends to split grocery and utility costs. Enjoy the added benefit of returning home to great company.

Comparing Australia's Living Expenses to Other Countries

To wisely choose where to study, it's crucial to consider different factors. Here's a brief comparison of living costs in Australia compared to other countries.

Comparison of Monthy Rental Expenditure (AUD)

Type of Accommodation	Australia	UK	USA	South Africa
1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre	$1,800	$1,500	$1,900	$600
3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre	$1,300.00	$1,180	$1,500	$500
3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre	$3,000.00	$2,300	$3,100	$1,400
1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre	$2,000	$1,863	$2,500	$1,100

Whether a student owns or rents, they'll need to cover utility costs. So, it's important to compare these too.

Monthly Price Comparison of Internet Usage & Basic Utility (AUD)

Type of Expenditure	UK	Australia	South Africa
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	$60	$70	$80
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	$300.00	$200	$160

By now, you might have been familiar with the living costs in Australia. This article gave a wealth of information for planning your move to Australia or pursuing higher education there. whether you're an Indian student or an international student, managing living expenses in Australia is all about strategic planning. The details and the simple tips mentioned above can significantly improve your financial situation and help reduce overall expenses.

FAQs

1. Is Australia expensive to live in?

In Australia, a family's monthly expenses for a living typically fall between AUD 2500 and AUD 3000. Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia, with Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane following closely behind.

2. How much money do you need to live in Australia?

In Australia, a family needs more than $50,000 annually, while an individual needs about $20,000 for living expenses.

3. How much does a meal cost in Australia?

 In Australia, an international student's daily basic meal costs around 42 AUD (three times a day).

4. Is the cost of living in Australia cheaper than in India?

Living expenses in Australia are considerably higher compared to India. To illustrate, the average cost of living in Australia is AUD 2932, whereas in India, it stands at AUD 626. This signifies that the cost of living in Australia is 368% more expensive than in India.

5. How much does it cost an Indian student to live in Australia?

For Indian students studying in Australia, the monthly cost of living can range from 70,000 to 125,000 INR.

6. What are the average transportation costs in Australia?

Monthly passes range in price from AUD 86 to AUD 220, while the cost of one-way local transport is AUD 3.60 to AUD 7.

7. What are the cheapest cities to live in Australia?

A list of the cheapest cities in Australia is given below:

1) Adelaide
2) Gold Coast
3) Morawa
4) Hobart
5) Broken Hills
6) Cairns

8. What are the average utility costs in Australia?

Basic utilities should cost you between AUD 120 and AUD 400 if you plan to stay in Australia.