A complete guide to living costs in Australia for students

Planning to live and study in Australia? Here’s a complete guide to the living costs in Australia for students. The overall cost of living in Australia is determined by many factors, including personal preferences, the city in which you choose to live and study, commute and eating habits, and so on.

As a matter of fact, the living costs can be calculated based on following categories:

• Groceries/Eating
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Entertainment
• Insurance/Health costs

The average cost of living in Australia is between AUD 25,000 and 38,000 per year, taking into account all of the above factors. Overall, the cost of living in Australia is higher than in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, yet it remains one of the most popular education destinations for international students.

Living Expenses

Accommodation Costs

Insurance Costs

If you’re going to study and live in Australia, you must purchase the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OVHC). The average annual insurance costs for overseas students range from AUD 450 to 550 depending on which providers you choose. Some popular providers are: Bupa, Allianz Global Assistance, Medibank, nib, etc.

Besides, the living expenses also vary in different states and territories of Australia. Let’s look at the average costs of public transportation and accommodation in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia,, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. These costs outlined will assist international students in planning their finances based on the area they select.

2. New South Wales

Accommodation Costs

A shared home or apartment in Sydney costs between AUD 200 and AUD 380 per week, whereas a one-bedroom property costs between AUD 400 and AUD 600 per week. In New South Wales’ regional areas, weekly rent for a one-bedroom property ranges from AUD 250 to 300, with three-bedroom units costing between AUD 300 and AUD 370.

Public Transport

The cost of transportation can vary from AUD 40 to AUD 58 per week, with concession card holders paying approximately AUD 20 and 30 per week. Because public transit in regional NSW is limited, it is recommended that you have a car. Traveling in Sydney is very convenient because it offers a variety of public transportation options such as the monorail, buses, ferries, trains, and light rail. Full-time overseas students in NSW do not receive transport fare discounts, but international students who are recipients of Australian government scholarships may be eligible.

For more information: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/adult-fares

3. Queensland

Accommodation Costs

A flat in Queensland’s far north will cost you at least around AUD 240 per week, while a unit in Gold Coast will cost you approximately AUD 350 per week. Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane costs roughly AUD 310 per week, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around AUD 360. The cost of a unit for rent also varies across Queensland’s regional areas.

Public Transport

You can purchase and use electronic cards on ferries, trains, and buses across south-east Queensland. All full-time students in Queensland receive a discount on transportation fares. Transportation fares with concession range from AUD 2.00 to AUD 12.30 for a single trip, depending on where you are going.

For more information: https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares-and-zones/current-fares

4. South Australia

Accommodation Costs

Rent starts from AUD 165 up to AUD 440 per week in Adelaide. A three-bedroom apartment in South Australia costs roughly AUD 320 in the outer suburbs and AUD 550 in the city central areas.

Public Transport

To go around Adelaide, you can take the bus, train, or tram. Public transport is also free in the central areas for the first 2 hours of traveling a day. You can also get a discounted fare if you are a full-time international student. Around AUD 14 for a multi-trip ticket with concession.

For more information: https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/tickets-and-fares/adelaide-metro-fares

5. Tasmania

Accommodation Costs

A one-bedroom unit in Hobart typically costs AUD 205 per week, whereas a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to AUD 350.  You can also ask your university/college about additional off-campus or on-campus amenities that are available, and then calculate your housing costs based on their fees.

Public Transport

On weekdays, you can travel around the cities in Tasmania such as Hobart, Launceston and Burnie by campus bus services. International students also get a discount on tickets, so a daily ticket will cost you only around AUD 3.

For more information: https://www.metrotas.com.au/fares/

6. Australian Capital Territory

Accommodation Costs

The average rental price in Canberra is about AUD 400 for a one-bedroom unit and AUD 450 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Public Transport

ACTON, Canberra’s bus company, has an outstanding bus network for the residents. The buses utilise an electronic ticketing system that allows passengers to swipe a prepaid card for travelling. International students also receive fare discounts during peak and off-peak hours.

For more information: https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway/fares

7. Northern Territory

Accommodation Costs

The average rental price in Darwin is AUD 300 for a one-bedroom apartment and AUD 450 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Public Transport

Buses run frequently in the central Darwin region and at the Palmerston and Casuarina campuses, but services are limited at night and on weekends.

For more information: https://nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-buses/fares

At Kent, we’d love to support students every step of their way. Our Student Support is superior and we’re always here to help you out!