What is the Cost of Living in Australia?

Cost of Living in Australia for International Student 

Australia has a place in the top 10 countries on the Quality of Life Index and Human Development Index, which points directly to the high-income level that the country's people enjoy. As an international student, you have to consider a few costs if you plan to study in Australia. Your tuition fees can amount to the most significant share of your total cost of living, but you will have scholarships in the country to support your finances. Some of these scholarships may even cover your travel and living expenses. Nonetheless, you may expect over AUD 20,000 per year for your costs.

Cost of Living in Australia for Family

Australia is a technologically advanced country, and many things come into play regarding living expenses. Living expenses will naturally increase in the more expensive cities like Sydney or Melbourne. On the other hand, if you live in Brisbane or Canberra, you will have a budget-friendly life. A family of two can expect average spending of AUD 1252 per month plus the rent. If you are a family of four, your spending can be around AUD 1057 without the housing expenses. This can vary depending on your lifestyle as well.

Monthly cost of living in Australia

Australia is one of the ideal places to study abroad for international students, with over seven lakh students studying there. Australia is a bit expensive compared to several other countries, though not as expensive as the USA. You must take care of your expenses and plan well before shifting to the land. Given below is a rough breakdown of the likely expenses you will encounter. Though it can vary, you must frame a mental picture.

Accommodation Cost in Australia

The cost of accommodation accounts to the second-largest share of your expense in Australia. As such, you must plan wisely. Students choose four types of accommodations according to their interests and financial capabilities. They are on-campus accommodations, shared rentals, rental apartments, and guest houses and hostels. The latter tends to be the cheapest of all. The cost of on-campus and off-campus accommodation can vary depending on your place of residence. The average cost of accommodation per week is given below.

• On-campus accommodation: AUD 158 - AUD 402
• Guest houses and hostels: AUD 129 - AUD 216
• Rental apartments: AUD 266 - AUD 633
• Shared rentals: AUD 137 - AUD 309

Cost of Utilities in australia

The cost of utilities depend on a few factors like the facilities you have opted for, the number of people in your house, the area in which you live, the providers you choose etc. A few utilities like gas and water are billed quarterly, while electricity may be billed differently. You may have to spend around AUD 152 per month on electricity, while the cost may be around AUD 86 per month for gas. You can also expect a water bill of around AUD 106 a month.

Cost of Transportation in Australia

Australia is well-connected, both roadways and airways. It is not easy to estimate travel costs as they can vary considerably depending on the mode of transportation. You can choose to travel by train, bus, taxi etc. You will get monthly passes for the train, and it can help reduce the price.

• Taxi (1 km): AUD 3
• Local transport: AUD 4
• Monthly pass: AUD 90 - AUD 220
• Local transport (one-way): AUD 3
• Train: AUD 8
• Tram: AUD 4
• Metro: AUD 3.5
• Bus: AUD 7

Cost of Food From Restaurants in Australia

You may spend around AUD 250 per month on food from restaurants. Eating out can be cheap or expensive, depending on where you eat from. You can choose to dine in high-end restaurants to budget-friendly ones. If you choose McDonald's, you may spend around AUD 8 to AUD 10. At the same time, a regular meal in Australia costs somewhere around AUD 15 to AUD 20. The same meal can cost AUD 40 if you choose a posh restaurant. This cost can be even higher if you reside in Melbourne or Sydney.

Cost of Healthcare in Australia

All international students must have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to study in Australia. The health-related expenses can be high if you are not covered under health coverage. A general doctor consultation can cost around AUD 72, while you can expect around AUD 187 for specialist doctor consultation. A normal surgery can cost around AUD 23,007 and AUD 28,759. Your health insurance can cost you AUD 750 per year.

Cost of Elictricity & Gas in Australia

In most cases, electricity bills are to be paid quarterly, which will be higher than the gas bill. You can expect to pay AUD 457 quarterly. At the same time, if you share your room with others, the cost per person will be even lesser. The gas bill will again be paid quarterly, and the amount will be around AUD 282. These bills depend on your usage and the number of people who share the bill amount.

Cost of Clothing in Australia

The amount spend on clothing depends on a person's shopping habits. If you are a shopaholic, your expenses can be on the higher end. However, if you are not a spendthrift, your clothing expenses can be around AUD 26 monthly. A pair of jeans can cost AUD 72, for instance. You can look for sales and opt for off-season shopping if you wish to buy clothes and save money simultaneously.

Cost of Housekeeping Supplies in Australia

The cost of housekeeping supplies depends on your usage and how much you are ready to spend. The cost of housekeeping supplies in Australia is higher, and you may need to plan well to save money. You may need to spend AUD 100 a month on housekeeping supplies. However, if you share your room with others, the cost per head will naturally be low.

Cost of Personal Care Products and Services in Australia

Australia is a land full of beauty-focused people, and the cost of the same is typically higher than in several other countries. It is estimated that the average money spent on personal care products and services in Australia is AUD 300 per month. This can be dependent on your spending habits as well. Your place of residence has a significant impact on this amount. For instance, you may have to spend AUD 195 for a haircut in Perth, whereas the same can cost you AUD 111 in Darwin.

Cost of Living in Australia Cities Wise

It is essential to know about the most affordable and student-friendly cities in Australia to make a wise decision based on them. As mentioned above, Sydney and Melbourne can be your last option if you look for pocket-friendly living in Australia. There are places like Canberra and Perth, which are less expensive and has some of the best universities to study at. The following table will help you understand better.

Cost of Education in Australia

Overseas education in Australia can be a bit expensive. The tuition fees can vary depending on your university and course. You will get help from scholarships and fellowships to afford to study in Australia. The average tuition cost of different study programs in Australia is given below.

If you need further assistance on the cost of living in Australia or anything else about studying in Australia in general, you can contact aecc. We have counsellors and professionals skilled at addressing all your queries and helping you apply to your favourite university. You need not hesitate to contact us anytime.