Accommodation in Australia: Picks for Students & Professionals

Accommodation in Australia depends on where you’re headed and how long you plan to stay. Sydney and Melbourne are popular with students and tech workers. Brisbane and Adelaide attract families and mid-level professionals. Each city has its own lease system, pricing pattern, and living setup.

This guide is for:

• Students planning to study in Australia
• Professionals relocating for work
• Families looking for long-term housing

You’ll learn:

• How the lease system works
• Average rent in major cities
• What to expect when you first move in

Use this as your starting point to find the right accommodation in Australia—without surprises.

If you're planning to study or settle down, check these helpful guides:
– Discover Diploma Courses in Australia for quick, job-ready qualifications.
– Interested in teaching? Browse Teaching Courses in Australia.
– Need a complete guide to the country? This Study in Australia page covers everything from visas to top programs.

Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/student-accommodation-australia#:~:text=Between%20the%202021%2F22%20and,to%205%2C178%20in%202023%2F24. 

Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, Australia approved a total of 9,759 student accommodation rooms for construction. The largest jump happened in 2023–24, reflecting increased demand for purpose-built student housing as international and domestic enrollments rose.

Want to understand how much you'll spend monthly? Here's a full guide on Cost of Living in Australia.

Student Accommodation in Australia

Planning to study abroad and figuring out where to stay? Accommodation in Australia for students comes in many formats — from university-managed dorms to private rentals in nearby suburbs. Each option has different rules, costs, and community vibes.

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Australia

Here’s a quick overview of common accommodation in Australia for students and what each one typically offers:

Types of Student Accommodation in Australia

Option	What It Offers	Good For
On-campus housing	Close to classes, utilities included, basic facilities	First-year students, convenience
UniLodge/PBSA	Student-only buildings, modern amenities, events	Independent students, all-in-one setup
Homestays	Live with an Australian family, meals included	Language learners, cultural exposure
Private shared rentals	Rent a room in a flat/house, shared bills	Budget-conscious, flexible schedules

Each has pros and cons. Think about distance, privacy, and included costs before picking one.

Top Cities for Student Accommodation in Australia

Different cities suit different needs. Here’s where students typically stay in Australia and the suburbs most often preferred:

Student-Friendly Cities and Suburbs

City	Popular Universities	Student-Friendly Suburbs
Sydney	UNSW, University of Sydney, UTS	Redfern, Newtown, Ultimo
Melbourne	RMIT, University of Melbourne	Carlton, Brunswick, Footscray
Brisbane	University of Queensland, QUT	St Lucia, Kelvin Grove, Toowong
Perth	Curtin University, UWA	Bentley, Nedlands

Living in suburbs near universities often saves money and offers better access to student communities.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Australia

Here’s what you can expect to pay weekly, based on the city and type of housing:

Average Weekly Rent for Student Accommodation

City	On-Campus	Shared Rental
Sydney	AUD 280 – AUD 450 (₹16,520 – ₹26,550)	AUD 220 – AUD 350 (₹12,980 – ₹20,650)
Melbourne	AUD 250 – AUD 400 (₹14,750 – ₹23,600)	AUD 200 – AUD 320 (₹11,800 – ₹18,880)
Brisbane	AUD 300 – AUD 500 (₹14,160 – ₹23,010)	AUD 180 – AUD 300 (₹10,620 – ₹17,700)
Perth	AUD 220 – AUD 370 (₹12,980 – ₹21,830)	AUD 170 – AUD 290 (₹10,030 – ₹17,110)

Note: Prices vary by building, room type, and lease duration. Always check what's included—Wi-Fi, electricity, and laundry can raise your total cost.

If you're planning to study, this checklist on the Student Visa for Australia is a must-read.

How to Find Student Accommodation in Australia

Here are the top platforms students use to find housing and what each one is best suited for:

Where to Search for Student Housing in Australia

Platform	Best For
University housing portals	On-campus and official accommodation listings
UniLodge, Scape, Urbanest	Premium student residences with full facilities
Flatmates.com.au, Student.com	Private room listings and shared rentals
Facebook groups	Quick finds, local offers, student-specific posts

Tips for first-time renters:

• Always visit or ask for a virtual tour before committing.
• Read the lease carefully—check for bond amount, exit terms, and maintenance clauses.
• Confirm what’s included in the rent (utilities, furniture, internet).

Accommodation in Australia for students is competitive—start early and shortlist 3–4 options before applying.

After your course, you may want to work. Read about the Australia Post-Study Work Visa and how long you can stay.

Looking to reduce costs? Here's a list of Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia.

Accommodation in Australia for Professionals

Relocating to a new city for work? Accommodation in Australia for working professionals ranges from compact studios to shared apartments in buzzing business hubs. Most newcomers prefer suburbs close to CBDs or transit lines so daily commutes stay manageable. Rental expectations, lease documents, and pricing vary by city—so it helps to know what you’re walking into.

Suitable Housing for Working Professionals

Working professionals often look for privacy, connectivity, and short lease commitments. Here's what most choose:

Common Housing Options for Professionals

Housing Type	What It Offers	Best For
Shared Apartments	Private room, shared kitchen/living, split bills	Social renters, cost-sharing
Studio Apartments	Self-contained space, ideal for solo living	Singles or remote workers
Serviced Apartments	Furnished, includes cleaning and utilities	Short stays, business travellers
Short-Term Rentals	Fully furnished, flexible lease via Airbnb or platforms	Newcomers, temporary relocations

Accommodation in Australia for professionals often blends privacy with access—most pick places near offices or co-working zones.

Thinking long-term? Here’s how to apply for Australia Citizenship after your studies.

Best Suburbs for Professionals Seeking Accommodation in Australia

Proximity to transport, tech hubs, and lifestyle areas often guides location choices. Here's a city-wise look at where professionals prefer to stay:

Top Suburbs for Professionals in Major Cities

City	Popular Suburbs for Professionals
Sydney	Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Parramatta
Melbourne	Docklands, Southbank, Richmond
Brisbane	Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Newstead
Perth	Subiaco, East Perth, Leederville

Areas near CBDs cut commute time and offer better internet, dining, and gym access.

Rent Range for Professional Accommodation in Australia

Working professionals usually go for 1-bedroom units or shared rentals. Short-term options cost more but come fully furnished.

Average Weekly Rent for Professionals in Australia

Housing Type	Australia Average (AUD/week)	Approx. in INR/week
1BHK Apartment	AUD 500 – AUD 650	₹29,500 – ₹38,350
Shared Apartment Room	AUD 270 – AUD 400	₹15,930 – ₹23,600
Serviced Apartment	AUD 620 – AUD 800	₹36,580 – ₹47,200
Short-Term Rental	AUD 700 – AUD 950	₹41,300 – ₹56,050

Prices vary depending on furnishing, lease duration, and suburb type. Always check for what's included—Wi-Fi, bills, cleaning, and parking often add extra value or cost.

Studying on a budget? This guide on Cheapest Universities in Australia helps you plan smart.

How to Apply for Accommodation in Australia as a Professional

Securing a rental in Australia as a professional is easier when you come prepared. Landlords often prefer tenants who show income stability and a clean history.

Rental Tips for Professionals:

• Inspect the property in person or via video call
• Ask about inclusions like internet, gas, parking
• Be ready to pay a bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent) upfront
• Apply quickly—popular listings go within days

Accommodation in Australia moves fast, especially in city centers—apply early and keep your documents ready.

Family Accommodation in Australia

Looking to relocate with your family? Accommodation in Australia for families centers around space, safety, and access to everyday essentials like schools, transport, and healthcare. Most family renters prefer peaceful suburbs with parks, childcare centers, and low traffic streets. Rent depends on the number of bedrooms and proximity to city hubs, but it’s the lifestyle perks that truly matter.

Best Family-Friendly Housing Options

For families, comfort and privacy often matter more than proximity to the CBD. Here are the most preferred types of homes:

Common Housing Types for Families in Australia

Housing Type	What It Offers	Ideal For
Townhouses	Multi-level, compact yards, part of a complex	Small families, low maintenance
Duplexes	Two attached homes, usually more affordable than standalone houses	Budget-conscious families
Detached Homes	Freestanding homes with gardens, multiple bedrooms	Larger families, kids, pets

Accommodation in Australia for families usually leans toward space, quiet, and local conveniences.

Suburbs Offering Ideal Family Accommodation in Australia

Certain suburbs across Australia are known for being family-friendly. These areas combine open spaces, top-rated schools, and reliable public transport.

Top Suburbs for Family Living

City	Family-Friendly Suburb	Why It’s Popular
Melbourne	Glen Waverley	School zones, peaceful streets, parks
Sydney	Ryde	Close to schools, shopping, hospitals
Brisbane	The Gap	Low crime, greenery, community feel
Perth	Willetton	Family-sized homes, good public transport
Adelaide	Burnside	Safe, scenic, near schools and healthcare

These suburbs offer the right balance between lifestyle and affordability.

Rental Costs for Family Accommodation in Australia

The cost of family accommodation in Australia depends on home size, location, and nearby amenities. Here's what you can expect for larger homes:

Weekly Rent for Family Homes in Australia

Home Type	Average Rent (AUD/week)	Approx. in INR/week
2BHK Home	AUD 480 – AUD 620	₹28,320 – ₹36,580
3BHK Home	AUD 550 – AUD 750	₹32,450 – ₹44,250
4BHK Home	AUD 700 – AUD 950	₹41,300 – ₹56,050

Homes close to schools, parks, and public transport often have higher demand. Utilities and internet are usually extra.

Considerations for Families Renting Accommodation in Australia

Families often have different priorities than solo renters or students. Here’s what to factor in before choosing your rental:

Checklist: What to Look for in Family Accommodation

Factor	Why It Matters
School Zones	Catchment areas decide where your child can enroll
Healthcare Access	Proximity to clinics, hospitals, and specialists
Outdoor Spaces	Yards, parks, and walking tracks support wellbeing
Public Transport	Easy commutes for working parents and teenagers
Safety & Community	Low crime rates and local activities for families

Families moving to Australia should take time to research each suburb’s offerings.

Renting in Australia: What Everyone Should Know

Before signing any rental agreement, it’s important to understand how the rental process works. Whether you're a student, professional, or relocating with your family, the rules for renting accommodation in Australia follow a set structure—especially around documentation, bond payments, and lease formats.

Required Documents

Here’s what most landlords or property managers will ask for:

• Photo ID – Passport and visa details are essential
• Proof of income – Pay slips, offer letters, or bank statements
• Rental history – Reference letters from past landlords (if any)
• Personal references – Sometimes used if you have no rental background
• Cover letter – A brief personal intro can help in competitive listings

Tip: Keep digital copies of all these documents ready before you start applying.

Bond System

Every rental property in Australia requires a rental bond—a refundable security deposit.

• Bond amount is usually 4 weeks’ worth of rent
• It’s held by the state’s Rental Tenancy Authority (e.g., RTBA in Victoria)
• It’s returned when the lease ends, minus any damage or unpaid dues
• You’ll get a bond receipt after lodging—keep it safe

The bond is not an extra fee. It protects the landlord if the property is damaged or the rent is unpaid.

Lease Types and What’s Included

When renting accommodation in Australia, the lease structure matters. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Fixed-Term Lease – 6 or 12 months, with a set end date
• Periodic Lease – Month-to-month, flexible but may have higher rent
• Inclusions – Some rentals include furniture, utilities, or Wi-Fi
• Exclusions – Water, gas, electricity, internet often paid separately

Read the lease carefully. Ask for clarification on what's included before signing.

Short-Term Accommodation in Australia: Where to Stay When You First Arrive

If you’ve just landed and need a place for a few weeks while sorting out long-term plans, you’ll find plenty of short-term accommodation in Australia. These options are flexible, often furnished, and ideal for students, professionals, or families getting settled.

Short-Term Housing Options for New Arrivals

Type	What It Offers	Best For
Hostels	Low-cost shared rooms, basic facilities, flexible check-ins	Solo travelers, students
Airbnb	Entire units or private rooms, self-check-in, easy booking	Short stays, couples, families
Serviced Apartments	Fully furnished, kitchen, cleaning services	Professionals, corporate stays
Temporary Student Housing	University-arranged housing for early arrivals	International students awaiting lease

Short-term accommodation in Australia is perfect for the first 2–4 weeks—especially while you search for permanent housing.

Curious about life beyond academics? This blog on Student Life in Australia gives a peek into what to expect day-to-day.

Still wondering if Australia is right for you? This blog on Why Study in Australia explains the lifestyle, education quality, and job market.

How upGrad Abroad Helps You Find Accommodation in Australia

upGrad Abroad offers reliable tools and support to help you settle into the right accommodation in Australia. You can explore a list of top universities, prepare for entrance exams, and use the cost calculator to plan your budget. There are also helpful articles on scholarships and housing tips. For students, upGrad Abroad has partnered with Casita to offer secure and student-friendly housing options. If you need help choosing the right place, 1:1 guidance is available to walk you through your options—based on your course, city, and budget.

Get expert advice through a free counseling session and start your application journey with confidence.

Also, check out free courses to gain skills and certifications that make your move to Australia smoother.