Australia is known for its high-quality education, vibrant cities, and multicultural lifestyle. But living here comes at a cost. In 2025, the average monthly expenses range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000 (INR 1.15L–1.7L) for students and AUD 4,500 to AUD 6,000 (INR 2.59L–3.45L) for families.
In this guide, you'll read more about the average cost of living, city-wise expense comparisons, detailed breakdowns of monthly cost, and budgeting tips for Indian students.
Average Cost of Living in Australia (Monthly & Annual)
As of 2025, the average cost of living in Australia is around AUD 2,000–3,000 (INR 1.16L–INR 1.74L) per month for a single person, excluding rent. For a family of four, monthly expenses reach AUD 5,692 (INR 3.31L), excluding rent.
Overall, the cost of living in Australia is about 247% higher than in India, while rent is nearly 635% higher, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Here’s an overview of the average monthly and yearly expenses across major categories:
Category
Average Monthly Cost
Average Annual Cost
Single Person (Excl. Rent)
AUD 1,578 (INR 91.7K)
AUD 18,936 (INR 11.0L)
Family of Four (Excl. Rent)
AUD 5,692 (INR 3.31L)
AUD 68,304 (INR 39.7L)
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)
AUD 2,164 (INR 1.26L)
AUD 25,968 (INR 15.1L)
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City)
AUD 1,678 (INR 97.5K)
AUD 20,136 (INR 11.7L)
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)
AUD 3,549 (INR 2.06L)
AUD 42,588 (INR 24.7L)
Utilities (85 m² Apartment)
AUD 270 (INR 15.7K)
AUD 3,240 (INR 1.88L)
Internet (Unlimited, 60 Mbps)
AUD 82 (INR 4.8K)
AUD 984 (INR 57.2K)
Mobile Plan (10GB+)
AUD 42 (INR 2.4K)
AUD 504 (INR 29.3K)
Public Transport Pass
AUD 143 (INR 8.3K)
AUD 1,716 (INR 99.7K)
Groceries & Dining (Avg.)
AUD 700 (INR 40.7K)
AUD 8,400 (INR 4.89L)
If you’re a student or working professional, you’ll find that rent and groceries make up the largest portion of your budget.
The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the city you choose. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are typically more expensive, while Adelaide and Hobart offer more affordable lifestyles.
Here’s an overview of the average monthly and annual living costs across popular Australian cities for international students and working professionals:
Note: All INR conversions are based on the rate of 1 AUD = 58.11 INR and rounded to the nearest thousand or lakh. Actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and spending habits.
Breakdown of Monthly Expenses in Australia
Australia offers an excellent lifestyle, but understanding the average cost of living in Australia per month helps students and families plan better.
Below is a breakdown of essential expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and leisure, giving a realistic picture of how much you’ll spend monthly.
Accommodation Costs
Housing is the largest component of the cost of living in Australia. On average, rent takes up 30–40% of a monthly budget.
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around AUD 2,160 (INR 1.25L) per month.
A 1-bedroom outside the city centre averages AUD 1,680 (INR 97K).
For families, a 3-bedroom apartment in the city is roughly AUD 3,550 (INR 2.06L) per month.
Rent in Australia is over 6 times higher than in India, so students and professionals often choose shared housing to reduce costs.
Public transport is reliable and widely used in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Monthly pass: AUD 143 (INR 8.3K)
One-way ticket: AUD 4.5 (INR 260)
Taxi fare (1 km): AUD 2.7 (INR 160)
Petrol (1L): AUD 1.8 (INR 105)
If you live close to your university or workplace, cycling or using student concession cards can help lower your average cost of living in Australia.
Utilities and Internet
For an average 85 sqm apartment, basic utilities , electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost about AUD 270 (INR 15.7K) monthly.
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps+): AUD 82 (INR 4.8K)
Mobile plan (10GB+): AUD 42 (INR 2.4K)
Efficient energy usage can bring down utility bills, especially during extreme summers or winters.
Healthcare and Insurance
International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs around AUD 50–60 (INR 2.9K–3.5K) per month. For working professionals, private health insurance can range from AUD 100–200 (INR 5.8K–11.6K) depending on coverage.
Australia’s healthcare is excellent, but for visitors and students, insurance is non-negotiable.
Entertainment and Miscellaneous Expenses
Entertainment and leisure costs depend on lifestyle choices. On average:
Gym membership: AUD 73 (INR 4.2K)
Movie ticket: AUD 20 (INR 1.16K)
Occasional weekend outing or short trip: AUD 150–200 (INR 8.7K–11.6K)
Budgeting a small amount for leisure ensures a balanced lifestyle while studying or working in Australia.
Cost of Living Comparison: Australia vs Other Countries
Before deciding to study or work abroad, it’s useful to compare the cost of living in Australia with other major destinations like the USA, UK, and Canada. While Australia ranks on the higher side, it offers a strong quality of life, safe cities, and well-paid part-time jobs.
Here is a side-by-side comparison table:
Country
Average Monthly Cost
Australia
AUD 2,000 (INR 1.16L)
United States
USD 2,300 (INR 1.92L)
United Kingdom
GBP 1,100 (INR 1.16L)
Canada
CAD 1,700 (INR 1.05L)
Germany
EUR 1,200 (INR 1.07L)
New Zealand
NZD 1,900 (INR 93K)
The average cost of living in Australia is slightly higher than in Canada or Germany, mainly due to housing and groceries.
However, Australia’s minimum wage (AUD 24.10/hour) and flexible student work hours help offset these costs.
Compared with the USA or UK, Australian cities provide a better work-life balance and affordable healthcare.
Overall, even though the cost of living in Australia per month is higher, the benefits, including excellent education, safety, and post-study work options, make it a worthwhile destination.
Managing expenses smartly can make a big difference when studying abroad and help save a lot.
Here are the tips to lower your cost of living in Australia:
1. Create a Realistic Monthly Budget
Before you move, research the average cost of living in Australia for your city. For instance, students in Melbourne may spend slightly more on rent and dining than those in Adelaide. Set aside money for accommodation, groceries, transport, and entertainment to avoid last-minute surprises.
2. Cook More, Eat Out Less
A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around AUD 25–30 (INR 1.4K–1.7K). Cooking at home can reduce your monthly expenses by 30–40%. Many universities also have communal kitchens or affordable canteens.
3. Use Student Discounts
Australian cities are very student friendly. Transport passes, museum tickets, movie theatres, and even restaurants offer special student rates. Taking advantage of these can lower your cost of living in Australia per month significantly.
4. Choose Affordable Accommodation
Shared apartments or university hostels are the best options for newcomers. Rent takes up nearly half of a student’s monthly budget, so picking suburbs outside city centers can save hundreds of dollars monthly.
5. Find Part-Time Work Early
With a minimum wage of AUD 24.10/hour, even part-time jobs can cover your living expenses. Indian students often work in cafés, retail, or as teaching assistants to balance income with study schedules.
6. Track Your Spending
Apps like Pocketbook and Frollo help you monitor your expenses in real time. Reviewing your spending habits each week ensures you stay within your planned budget.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of living in Australia is essential for any student planning to study abroad. On average, international students spend around AUD 2,000–3,000 (INR 1.15L–1.73L) per month, depending on the city and lifestyle choices. Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney are slightly more expensive than smaller ones such as Adelaide or Perth.
By creating a smart budget, cooking at home, and making the most student discounts, you can manage your monthly expenses comfortably. The average cost of living in Australia may seem high compared to India, but with careful planning and part-time work opportunities, students can balance both academic and financial goals effectively.
In short, knowing what the cost of living in Australia truly looks like helps you prepare better and make the most of your experience without financial stress.
Why is the cost of living in Australia considered high?
The cost of living in Australia is high due to expensive housing, rising utility bills, and inflation-driven food prices. Sydney and Melbourne lead the list because of strong housing demand and limited supply. Global factors like energy costs also push essentials such as rent and groceries upward.
How much money should Indian students show for a student visa?
Indian students must show AUD 29,710 (INR 17.3L) for annual living expenses, plus tuition fees and OSHC health cover. Additional funds are required for dependents: AUD 10,394 for a spouse and AUD 4,449 per child. This ensures financial capacity for the cost of living in Australia for Indian students.
What is the cheapest city in Australia for international students?
Adelaide and Hobart are among the cheapest cities, with monthly living costs around AUD 1,400–1,900 (INR 81K–1.10L). Brisbane and the Gold Coast also offer affordability compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Lower rents and transport costs make these cities ideal for reducing the average cost of living in Australia.
Can international students work part-time to cover living costs?
Yes, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and full-time during breaks. While part-time jobs help offset expenses, visa rules prohibit relying solely on earnings for financial capacity. Common roles include retail, hospitality, and tutoring.
How much can students earn per hour in Australia?
The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23/hour (INR 1,350) as of 2025. Casual jobs often pay slightly more due to loading. Earnings depend on industry and experience, with hospitality and retail offering flexible shifts suitable for students.
What are common part-time jobs for students in Australia?
Students often work in hospitality (cafés, restaurants), retail, call centers, and delivery services. Campus roles like library assistants or tutoring are popular for flexibility. These jobs typically pay between AUD 23–28/hour, helping students manage living costs without disrupting studies.
How do Indian students save money while studying in Australia?
Indian students save by choosing shared housing, cooking at home, and using student discounts on transport and groceries. Shopping at local markets, buying second-hand textbooks, and leveraging university resources like free Wi-Fi also help reduce monthly expenses significantly.
Is accommodation cheaper near Australian universities?
Accommodation near universities is often pricier due to demand. On-campus housing can cost AUD 350–700/week, while off-campus shared rentals in nearby suburbs are more affordable at AUD 200–400/week. Students often balance proximity with cost by living slightly farther and using public transport.
What are the hidden costs students often overlook in Australia?
Hidden costs include utility bills, internet setup, textbooks, and occasional medical expenses not covered by OSHC. Students may also face upfront rental bonds (2–4 weeks’ rent) and transport top-ups. Budgeting for these extras prevents financial surprises during the semester.
Do scholarships help reduce living expenses in Australia?
Yes, scholarships like Destination Australia offer AUD 15,000/year (INR 8.72L) for regional study, while university grants can cover tuition and sometimes living costs. While most scholarships focus on fees, some provide stipends that ease monthly expenses for international students.
How does Australia’s cost of living compare to Canada or the UK?
Australia’s living costs are slightly lower than the UK but comparable to Canada. Housing is costlier in Australia than Canada, while groceries are cheaper. Monthly expenses for one person average AUD 2,241 (INR 1.30L) in Australia versus AUD 2,423 in the UK.
Is the cost of living expected to rise in Australia in 2025?
Yes, costs are projected to rise moderately due to inflation and housing demand in major cities. Rent and utilities remain key drivers, while food prices may stabilize. Government relief measures and scholarships can help offset some of these increases for students.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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