Cost of Living in Sydney: Detailed Expense Overview

Did You Know? University precincts, including those near the University of Sydney and UTS, have seen rent increases of over 20% in the past year. Student accommodation costs have also risen by 3.8% to 8%.

Sydney is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, but it’s also one of Australia’s priciest cities. On average, you’ll spend AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,600 (INR 1.36L to INR 1.96L) monthly, which covers rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

The Department of Home Affairs recommends a minimum of AUD 29,710 (INR 16L) per year as proof of funds for an Australian student visa, which aligns with most international students' spending. If you plan to study in Sydney, your total cost may vary based on location, housing type, and personal choices.

This guide outlines the cost of living in Sydney, including rent, tuition, extra charges, and better ways to manage them.

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sydney for Indian Students

The average monthly cost of living in Sydney ranges from AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,600 (INR 1.36L–1.96L), depending on location. 

Central suburbs like Chippendale or Darlington can cost AUD 400–450 (INR 22K–24K) per week for shared rooms, while Redfern averages AUD 300–400 (INR 16K–22K). More affordable options like Parramatta or Hurstville offer rents around AUD 250–350 (INR 14K–19K).

An expense calculator can help you assess your specific expenses based on your chosen location, allowing you to better plan for essentials like groceries. The following table breaks down the typical monthly expenses faced by Indian students in Sydney:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (AUD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Shared Accommodation (Off-campus)	1,900 to 2,950	INR 1.02L to INR 1.6L
On-campus Accommodation	383 to 685	INR 20.7K to INR 37.0K
Food (Eating Out)	160 to 480	INR 8.6K to INR 25.9K
Groceries	220 to 800	INR 11.9K to INR 43.2K
Transportation	220 to 400	INR 11.9K to INR 21.6K
Utilities	150 to 210	INR 8.1K to INR 11.3K
Entertainment	75 to 600	INR 4.0K to INR 32.4K
Miscellaneous	50 to 100	INR 2.7K to INR 5.4K
Total (Off-campus)	2,500 to 3,600	INR 1.35L to INR 1.94L
Total (On-campus)	1,500 to 2,500	INR 81.0K to INR 1.35L

Note:

• INR values are estimates. Final costs may vary with currency conversion rates at the time of transaction.
• These are estimated costs. Actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle, location, and currency fluctuations.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

Now that you have a clearer view of your monthly expenses, let's examine the specific costs of studying in Sydney for international students.

Cost of Studying in Sydney for International Students

Sydney is a top destination for those looking to study in Australia, with over 8.5 lakh students enrolled in its institutions, including approximately 1.3 lakh from India. The country is known for its world-class education system and diverse opportunities.

However, tuition fees can vary widely depending on the universities and colleges in Sydney, making it essential for prospective students to plan accordingly. For instance, medical and veterinary science courses can cost AUD 50,000 (INR 27L).

Here’s a breakdown of the average annual tuition fees across different course levels in Australia.

Course Level	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Bachelor’s Degree	20,000 to 45,000	INR 11L to INR 24.7L
Master’s Degree	22,000 to 50,000	INR 12L to INR 27.1L
Doctoral Degree	20,000 to 42,000	INR 11L to INR 22.7L

After understanding the study fees, let's explore which institutions offer the most affordable options.

Cheapest Universities in Sydney for Indian Students

Several Sydney universities like University of Sydney offer recognised degrees with lower tuition, helping Indian students cut education costs. While top-tier schools often charge over AUD 45,000 (INR 24L) per year, affordable options fall between AUD 22,000 and AUD 32,000 (INR 12L to INR 17L) for undergraduate programs.

Western Sydney University enrolls 45,000+ students from 70+ countries, and its average undergrad fees are around AUD 26,210 (INR 14L) per year.

Here’s a table of Sydney’s most affordable universities and their average 2025 undergraduate tuition:

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)	Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Western Sydney University	26,210 to 28,928	14.4L to 15.7L
Charles Sturt University	20,800 to 24,000	11L to 13L
University of Wollongong	22,000 to 25,000	12L to 13.7L
Australian Catholic University	24,336 to 28,656	13L to 15.7L
University of New England	22,000 to 26,000	12L to 14L

In addition, these universities provide affordable tuition and a range of scholarships, such as Western Sydney International Scholarships, that provide benefits up to AUD 6000 (INR 3.2L).

After identifying the most affordable institutions, it’s time to see how living costs vary across different suburbs in Sydney.

Cost of Living in Sydney: City List

Sydney's monthly living costs for a single person range between AUD 2,000 and AUD 5,200 (INR 1.09L to INR 2.83L). These costs are influenced by rent, groceries, and utility expenses. Budgeting remains critical due to consistent cost pressures across essential categories.

For reference, a family of four may spend AUD 7,000 to AUD 10,000 (INR 3.81L to INR 5.45L) monthly, while students typically require around AUD 2,000 (INR 11L), excluding rent. Globally, Sydney falls within the top 3% of the most expensive cities, holding the 7th position among 144 cities.

Since living expenses vary sharply across suburbs, breaking down the cost patterns by area gives a clear idea.

Top 8 Expensive Cities in Sydney

Sydney’s top suburbs are known for their luxury and high property prices. Median house prices here often go over AUD 4 million. East Lindfield saw a 9% increase last year, reaching AUD 4.16 million, while suburbs like Longueville and Palm Beach are famous for their wealth and exclusivity.

These areas are driven by high property values, expensive schools, and a high-end lifestyle. The cost of building a home in these areas is around AUD 4,400 (INR 2.4L) per square metre, making them hard to afford for most buyers.

Here’s a comparison of the top eight most expensive suburbs in Sydney with their estimated monthly living costs:

Suburb	Avg. Monthly Cost (AUD)	Avg. Monthly Cost (INR)
East Lindfield	10,000	INR 5.5L
Palm Beach	9,500	INR 5.22L
Longueville	9,000	INR 4.95L
Bellevue Hill	10,500	INR 5.8L
Dover Heights	8,500	INR 4.67L
Clontarf	8,000	INR 4.4L
Vaucluse	11,000	INR 6.0L
Point Piper	12,000	INR 6.6L

Note: The actual cost may vary depending on the current exchange rates.

Also Read: University of Sydney Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

These prestigious suburbs offer access to top schools, beaches, cultural spots, and a strong sense of community. However, high rents and property prices are unaffordable for most average earners.

Next, let’s focus on the other end of the spectrum and explore the top eight cheapest suburbs in Sydney, where affordability meets opportunity.

Top 8 Cheapest Cities in Sydney

Sydney’s affordable suburbs are perfect for students and young professionals. While central Sydney rents exceed AUD 700 (INR 38K) per week, suburbs like Canterbury and North Ryde offer rents as low as AUD 300 to AUD 500 (INR 16K to INR 27K) per week.

These areas also feature strong transport links, multicultural communities, and university proximity. For instance, Carramar has seen +16.8% annual growth, while Lakemba and Fairfield offer affordability and steady price growth.

Below is a table of the top eight cheapest suburbs in Sydney for unit living:

Suburb	Avg. Monthly Cost (AUD)	Avg. Monthly Cost (INR)
Carramar	1,600	INR 88K
Bradbury	1,700	INR 93.5K
Cabramatta	1,900	INR 1.05L
Fairfield	2,000	INR 1.1L
Lakemba	2,100	INR 1.15L
Minto	1,900	INR 1.05L
Mount Druitt	1,950	INR 1.08L
Canley Vale	1,700	INR 93.5K

Note: The actual cost may differ based on the current exchange rates.

Living in these suburbs lets you spend more on education and personal growth, rather than high rent. They also offer a strong community with cultural events, affordable eateries, and student-friendly amenities.

Now, let’s explore the additional costs of living in Sydney, from utilities to entertainment.

Cost of Living in Sydney: Additional Costs

Beyond rent and food, you’ll need to budget for extras like health insurance, clothing, study materials, and entertainment. OSHC is mandatory, starting at AUD 806 (INR 44K) per year, while apparel and leisure can add AUD 50 to AUD 600 (INR 2.7K to INR 33K) per month.

These costs can raise your budget by 3 to 5% annually, with seasonal or lifestyle changes causing up to 20% variation. Planning for them helps you avoid surprises and stay financially stable.

Below is a table summarizing key additional monthly costs for students in Sydney:

Category	Monthly Cost (AUD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
OSHC (averaged monthly)	67	INR 3.6K
Clothing	50 to 100	INR 2.7K to INR 5.4K
Study Materials/Supplies	50 to 150	INR 2.7K to INR 8.1K
Mobile/Internet	40 to 70	INR 2.1K to INR 3.8K
Personal Care	30 to 60	INR 1.6K to INR 3.2K
Entertainment/Leisure	75 to 600	INR 4K to INR 33K

Note: The actual cost may vary depending on the current exchange rates.

These additional costs, while sometimes overlooked, are essential for a comfortable and well-rounded student experience. Proactively planning for them ensures you won’t compromise on health, connectivity, or social life while studying abroad.

Next, let’s explore practical strategies and actionable tips to save money during study abroad in Sydney, without sacrificing your quality of life.

How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Sydney? Key Tips

Sydney’s rich lifestyle can quickly add up in expenses, but students can make their budgets stretch much further with thoughtful planning. Many international students can save 20-30% on monthly costs by making simple changes like meal prepping or using student discounts.

Ranked among the world’s top 10 most expensive cities, saving money here gives you more room to enjoy the city. Below are practical tips to lower your living costs in Sydney:

• Choose Shared Accommodation: Shared accommodation in Australia, especially in major cities like Sydney, can cut your rent by 40–50% compared to living alone.
• Use Student Discounts: Your student ID can be used for transport, entertainment, and shopping discounts. It can save you AUD 50 to AUD 100 (INR 2.7K to INR 5.4K) per month.
• Cook at Home: Preparing meals instead of eating out can reduce your food expenses by up to 60%.
• Buy Second-hand: Purchase textbooks, furniture, and electronics from student groups or online marketplaces.
• Use Public Transport: Sydney’s Opal card offers student fares and weekly caps, making commuting much cheaper.
• Limit Utility Use: Simple habits like turning off lights and taking shorter showers can lower your utility bills by 10-15%.
• Plan Social Activities Wisely: Take advantage of free city events, student nights, and outdoor attractions.
• Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps to monitor expenses and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Also Read: Cheapest Country to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

These strategies save money and promote a more sustainable, independent lifestyle. By being resourceful and proactive, you can focus more on your academic goals and less on financial concerns.

How Can upGrad Support Your Study Abroad Journey in Sydney?

Managing the financial side of studying in Sydney takes planning, especially when you’re balancing tuition, rent, and daily costs. Our education experts guide you step-by-step, helping you make better decisions for both your studies and your budget.

With upGrad, you can:

• Get clear help choosing affordable universities and the right course for your career.
• Compare living costs across suburbs to avoid spending more than needed.
• Learn about available scholarships, discounts, and easy loan options.
• Get full support with university applications, documents, and visa filing.

This kind of support makes the process smoother, less stressful, and more cost-effective. Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad's education experts today and improve your chances of getting into top universities in Sydney.