Urban Student

Cost of living in Australia

Living costs vary significantly by city. As of recent guidance, the Department of Home Affairs requires student visa applicants to demonstrate roughly AUD $29,710 per year in available funds. The reality on the ground depends a lot on where you live.

Typical weekly costs

  • Rent (room in share house) — $250–$600+ per week, depending on city and suburb
  • Groceries — $80–$150 per week
  • Public transport — $30–$60 per week
  • Utilities and internet — $30–$60 per week
  • Phone — $20–$50 per month
  • OSHC — varies by provider, typically $500–$700 per year for singles

Cheapest to most expensive cities

Roughly: Hobart and Adelaide are most affordable, then Brisbane and Perth, then Melbourne, with Sydney consistently the most expensive.