Cost of Living
Living Costs
The information in this section outlines the estimated cost of living for an international student living in Australia. When calculating the costs of living in Australia students should budget for accommodation, food, health care, transport, books, clothing and entertainment.
This is only a guide to the living costs in Australia and these expenses will vary depending on the student’s lifestyle.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs will vary from city to city and the following is an estimate of various types of accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne.
|
Type of Accommodation
|
No. of Weeks
|
Weekly Rent / Board Range (A$)
|
Estimated Total ($) Rent or Board and other expenses
|
|
Home
|
Living at Home (Board)
|
52
|
20 - 60
|
7,200 - 9,600
|
|
Sharing Rented House (with 2 others)
|
Close to City
|
52
|
135 -165
|
18,100 - 24,400
|
|
Within 10 kilometres of City
|
52
|
105 -135
|
16,400 - 22,700
|
|
Regional area
|
52
|
60 - 80
|
13,800 - 19,600
|
|
Apartment - One Bedroom
|
One bedroom not shared
|
52
|
235 - 285
|
23,700 - 31,100
|
|
Hostel
|
One bedroom - shared bathroom/kitchen
|
52
|
155 - 190
|
19,200 - 25,800
|
|
Homestay
|
Living with a local family
|
40
|
220 – 230*
|
14,500 - 16,700
|
Please note this is an approximate price guide only
General Costs
Students must also allow for general expenses such as those indicated below:
Weekly Cost (other than Rent)
|
Items
|
Amount
|
|
Food Contribution
|
$50.00 – $75.00
|
|
Takeaway Lunches & Drinks
|
$30.00 – $45.00
|
|
Bills / Utilities (Electricity, Gas etc)
|
$20.00 – $25.00
|
|
Telephone (not Mobile)
|
$10.00 – $15.00
|
|
Public Transport fares
|
$30.00 – $60.00
|
|
Spending Money
|
$40.00 – $70.00
|
Annual Cost
|
Items
|
Amount
|
|
General Course Costs (books & equipment)
|
$500.00 - $700.00
|
Establishment Costs
|
Items
|
Amount
|
|
Bond (usually 1 month’s rent)
|
$4,333 x weekly rent
|
|
Telephone / utilities connection
|
$150-160
|
|
General furniture items
|
$400-650
|
Please Note:
The above estimates are in Australian dollars (AUD$) and these estimates are subject to change. For further information on living costs in Melbourne please refer to the Live In Victoria website Live In Victoria - Cost of Living http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ which has a guide to living costs in Victoria.
Don’t forget these costs do not include expenses relating to mobile phones, car or computer expenses.
Tuition Fees are not included in these living costs estimates.
It is recommended that students allow a minimum of A$15,000.00 per year to cover their living costs. It is also recommended to allow an extra A$2000.00 for costs that you may incur while settling in – such as food, transport, and any personal items you may require.