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Cost of Living in Australia: Complete Guide for International Students

Sanchita Das
· Senior Content WriterUpdated at - September 7, 20269 Min Read3,733 views
Cost of Living in Australia: Complete Guide for International Students

Table of Contents

Are you planning to study in Australia? Then you must be worried about the cost of living in Australia. For financial planning purposes, students may consider around AUD 2,600–4,905 per month (INR 176,800 to INR 333,540), based on the expense categories covered below. However, this is an indicative planning range, not a fixed national average.

The actual living costs depend on where you are staying in the country, quality of living, and which facilities you are going to avail. Your daily habits and spending habits also impact your overall expenses. So while planning the costs, remember that it may vary. Before leaving for Australia, go through the total cost of living for Indian students in 2026. Remember, this is an indicative planning range rather than a fixed national average. Let’s scroll down and plan your budget accordingly.

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

The monthly budget for students solely depends on the chosen city, types of accommodation, food choices, and other factors.

The table below provides an indicative monthly budget based on the expense categories covered in this article.

Expenses Categories

Approximate Monthly Cost in AUD

Approximate Monthly Cost in INR

Accommodation

AUD 1,760 to AUD 3,452

INR 119,680 to INR 234,736

Food and Groceries

AUD 280 to AUD 600

INR 19,040 to INR 40,800

Public Transport Pass

AUD 132

INR 8,976

Basic Utilities

AUD 288

INR 19,584

Mobile Phone Plan and Internet Bill

AUD 40 to AUD 83

INR 2,720 to INR 5,644

Miscellaneous expenses

AUD 100 to AUD 350

INR 6,800 to INR 23,800

Total Expenses

AUD 2,600 to AUD 4,905

INR 176,800 to INR 333,540

[Note: The total range represents the mathematical combination of the minimum and maximum estimates for each category. These are approximate values and may vary by city, accommodation type, lifestyle, inflation, and exchange rates. Here, the taken values are AUD 1= INR 68]

Accommodation and Rent in Australia

Accommodation costs play a major role in the monthly budgets of international students. You can avail yourself of different types of accommodation, such as university accommodation, homestays, shared apartments, and single-room flats.

Check out the common accommodation options and their monthly rents. Remember that it varies by city, location, types of rooms, and included utilities.

Types of Accommodation

Monthly Rent in AUD (approx.)

Monthly Rent in INR (approx.)

1-bedroom apartment in the city

AUD 2,215

INR 150,620

1-bedroom apartment in the suburban

AUD 1,762

INR 119,816

3-bedroom apartment in the city (shared by 2-3 people)

AUD 3,452

INR 234,736

3-bedroom apartment in the suburbs (shared by 2-3 people)

AUD 2,729

INR 185,572

Note: The approximate values are fetched from numbeo.com

Here, the currency rate is calculated as AUD 1= INR 68.

It is advised to avail shared accommodation outside the city centre. It can limit your budget. In private accommodation, you experience more privacy during your stay.

For private rental accommodation, you have to pay additional costs in the first month:

  • Bond costs for rent
  • Advance payment
  • Utility costs
  • Internet bills
  • Household expenses

Food and Grocery Costs in Australia

Food expenses are determined by which type of food you're having and how many meals you have on a daily basis. Your eating habits, as in preferring home cooked food or eating at restaurants, are important factors in food expenses.

Here is a common list of groceries for Indian students and their approximate prices in 2026.

Name of Food and Grocery

Average Costs

White Rice per kg

AUD 3.22

Regular Milk per litre

AUD 2.50

Apple per kg

AUD 5.27

Orange per kg

AUD 4.56

Tomato per kg

AUD 6.73

Water Bottle for 1.5 L

AUD 2.42

Fresh White Bread for 500 g

AUD 3.92

Potato per kg

AUD 4.00

Onion per kg

AUD 3.34

Banana per kg

AUD 4.27

Eggs per dozen

AUD 7.18

Chicken Fillet per kg

AUD 13.14

Note: The price can vary by location and inflation rate. The data is collected from numbeo.com

Availability of Indian Food in Australia

You can find Indian food options in nearby Indian restaurants or from home delivery services.

Otherwise, in Indian and Bangladeshi supermarkets, you can buy groceries like rice, atta, daal, Indian spices, and familiar vegetables and fish. In Australia, you can explore -

  • Indian grocery stores
  • Indian restaurants
  • Vegetarian options
  • Halal food options
  • Tiffin/home-delivery services

Cooking food reduces your monthly expenses, and you can maintain your dietary intake as well.

Transportation Costs in Australia

Transportation costs depend on how you want to commute, how far your apartment is from the university, and the availability of public transportation in that location.

For daily commutes, it is suggested to use public transport to reduce the costs. You can apply for student concessions.

Transportation in Australia

Average Costs in AUD

One-way local transport Ticket

AUD 4.10

Taxi Tariff (standard)

AUD 5.00

Gasoline (1 Litre)

AUD 1.83

Monthly Pass

AUD 132.80

Note: Transportation costs vary by city and suburban areas.

Utility Costs and Internet Bills

Whether utility costs are included in your accommodation rent depends on your agreement. So verify with your landlord before signing any rental bond.

The additional household expenses are mentioned below.

Categories

Expenses in AUD

Basic utilities

AUD 286.52

Mobile phone plan (monthly, calls and 10gb+ data)

AUD 41.10

Broadband Internet (unlimited data with 60 Mbps or higher speed)

AUD 82.73

Note: utility bills include electricity, gas, and water service bills. In shared apartments, these expenses are divided among all residents.

Healthcare and OSHC in Australia

To study in Australia, you have to apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as per the visa agreements. It includes the following health expenses under the terms and conditions of the selected policy.

  • Medical consultation
  • Hospital treatment
  • Medicine
  • Emergency service

Verify all the listed services and the benefits of the insurance while buying the insurance policy.

Miscellaneous Expenses

You should budget at least AUD 100 to AUD 350 per month for personal expenses. Remember to try to maintain your lifestyle in such a way that you don't spend more than that.

The miscellaneous expenses include the following factors.

  • Daily clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Gym memberships
  • Social activities
  • Travelling
  • Study materials
  • Entertainment

Also, keep a fund for emergency purposes such as medical expenses, urgent travel, or hidden charges in daily life.

Average Accommodation Costs by City

The living costs in Sydney and Melbourne are higher, as 1-bedroom apartment rents are often AUD 2,488 to AUD 3,504 (on average). Accommodation costs are comparatively lower in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.

Name of the City

Overview

Homestay

Shared House

1-bedroom apartment

Shared apartment

Sydney

Accommodation costs are high, and lifestyle expenses are higher

1,780

2,668

3,504

2,680

Melbourne

Expensive apartment rent and public transport

1,760

1,536

2,488

1,920

Brisbane

Moderate to higher cost of accommodation

1,640

1,728

2,748

1,956

Adelaide

Budget-conscious option in some parts

1,600

1,100

2,696

1,840

Perth

Costs vary in cities and suburbs

1,640

1,412

2,636

1,500

Canberra

Accommodation and living expenses are comparatively higher

1,620

1,368

2,500

1,928

Note: The data is collected from: studyaustralia.gov.au

You should compare the facilities along with the rent. Because lower-rent accommodation with higher transportation costs does not save money. Also, verify the available utilities while signing the agreement.

How Much Money Does a Student Need Per Month in Australia?

Spending money depends on how you set up your life in the country. It's completely your choice how you want to lead your life. Providing a uniform budget is not at all reliable.

Budget Range

Accommodation

Lifestyle

Indicative Monthly Budget

Low

Shared

Self-cooking and limited entertainment

AUD 2,800 to AUD 3,000

Moderate

Shared or Private

Balanced lifestyle

AUD 3,500 to AUD 4,000

High

Private

Eating and travelling in the city and outside

AUD 4,500 to AUD 4,900

Note: The mentioned budget is an approximate value and can change depending on the selected city and accommodation type. It is an illustrative planning scenario rather than official Australian Government figures. Actual expenses can fall outside these ranges.

Hidden Costs International Students Should Consider

Not only monthly expenses, but you also have to consider a few one-time investments or occasional costs while starting your journey of staying in Australia.

  • Rental bond
  • Emergency fund
  • Advance payment for rent
  • Flight ticket fare
  • Visa processing fee
  • Medical insurance
  • Study materials
  • Household essentials
  • Bedding
  • Suitable clothes
  • Mobile sim

Can Part-Time Work Cover the Cost of Living in Australia?

Under the Australian student visa (subclass 500), international students can do part-time jobs up to 48 hours a fortnight. Through this, you can manage additional financial support. Students can explore jobs from the following portals-

  • Adzuna
  • Career One
  • Grad Australia
  • Student Job Australia
  • Seek
  • LinkedIn

You can spend your income from your part-time jobs on your personal expenses, but your entire stay can not be managed with this income.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students

Go through the pro tips to reduce monthly expenses in day-to-day life with a few steps.

  • Opt for shared accommodation
  • Rent rooms in suburban areas
  • Live near your university to reduce transport costs
  • Use public transport
  • Apply for student concession (if applicable)
  • Choose self-cooking option
  • Buy groceries weekly
  • Verify mobile and broadband plans, then buy
  • Keep an emergency fund separately

Key Takeaway

Now you have all the information regarding the cost of living in Australia. We have touched on all the important points that come under living expenses. This discussion will help you to calculate how much AUD or INR you need to live comfortably to study in Australia. In that regard, you have to spend money very carefully to live in a foreign country. Your lifestyle defines your overall budget.

Before selecting any of the Australian universities for your future endeavours, compare tuition fees, accommodation costs, food expenses, transportation costs, medical insurance, and other living expenses. It can be overwhelming to gather information and tally everything yourself. Education Vibes can help students compare Australian universities alongside tuition fees, accommodation, location, and estimated living expenses before making a study decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is medical insurance (OSHC) mandatory?

Yes, most international students applying for an Australian Student visa are required to maintain OSHC for the required period mentioned in the Visa agreements. The coverage and costs depend on the selected policy.

What is the indicative cost of living in Australia for international students in 2026?

The indicative cost of living in Australia is AUD 2,600 to AUD 4,905. Remember, it varies from one city to another and depends on the quality of living.

How to reduce living costs?

To reduce living costs, rent shared apartments, cook for yourself, use public transport, and track monthly expenses.

Which Australian city has lower accommodation costs?

Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra are cities where accommodation costs are comparatively lower.

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