The average monthly cost of living in Australia for a single person typically ranges from AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,000 (₹1.15L–₹1.74L), including rent. Students may spend between AUD 1,500 and AUD 2,500 (₹86K–₹1.43L), while families of four often require AUD 4,500–6,000 (₹2.59L–₹3.45L). Larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne are costlier, whereas Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth offer more affordable options.
Here is a simple summary of the cost of living in Australia in 2025:
Category
Approximate Monthly Cost
Estimated monthly cost for a family of four (excluding rent)
AUD 5,700 (~INR 3.29 lakh)
Estimated monthly cost for a single person (excluding rent)
AUD 1,580 (~INR 91,300)
Overall cost of living in Australia vs India
Australia is 245% more expensive
Rent comparison: Australia vs India
Rent in Australia is 631% higher
Source: Numbeo
In this blog, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Australia, including housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, grocery prices, student budgets, and the cost of living in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to see and analyse how everything affects life in Australia.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Australia
Understanding the average monthly cost of living in Australia helps students, professionals, and families plan their budget accurately. Expenses vary across major cities, but most individuals spend on housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare.
International students generally have a lower range, while families tend to have a higher monthly spend. Below is a simple summary of the average monthly cost of living in Australia in 2025.
Profile
Monthly Cost (AUD)
Monthly Cost (INR)
Single person
1,800 to 3,500
99,000 to 1.92 lakh
Student
1,500 to 2,500
82,000 to 1.37 lakh
Couple
3,000 to 5,500
1.64 lakh to 3.01 lakh
Family of four
4,500 to 7,500
2.46 lakh to 4.10 lakh
Source: Numbeo
These figures are based on broadly referenced Numbeo estimates and converted to INR for better clarity.
Living expenses in Australia vary significantly depending on the city, the cost of living in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, etc.) is shaped by local housing, transport, and lifestyle choices. For students and professionals alike, choosing the right city can dramatically affect your monthly budget.
Here’s a comparative table of estimated monthly living costs in prominent Australian cities, based on data from reliable sources:
~ AUD 2,400 – 3,200 per month (living expenses for students and families).
Perth
Slightly more affordable than Sydney.
Adelaide
More budget-friendly
By understanding how the cost of living in Australia for different cities varies, you can better plan which city suits your financial goals as a student, a working professional, or an expat.
Accommodation Costs in Australia
Accommodation is one of the biggest monthly expenses in Australia, especially for students and young professionals. Rent differs significantly across cities, Sydney and Melbourne are the priciest, while Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane tend to be more affordable. Costs also vary based on whether you choose on-campus housing, shared apartments, or private rentals.
Below is a city-wise breakdown of typical monthly rent ranges in Australia, based on consolidated data from Numbeo, Study Australia, university housing portals, and recent rental market trends.
City
Housing Type
Monthly Rent Range (AUD / INR)
Sydney
1-bedroom apartment (city centre)
AUD 2,600 – 3,200
(INR 1.44L – 1.78L)
Shared apartment (student-friendly)
AUD 900 – 1,500
(INR 50K – 83K)
On-campus student housing
AUD 1,000 – 1,800
(INR 55K – 99K)
Melbourne
1-bedroom apartment (city centre)
AUD 2,000 – 2,600
(INR 1.11L – 1.44L)
Shared apartment
AUD 800 – 1,300
(INR 44K – 72K)
On-campus accommodation
AUD 900 – 1,600
(INR 50K – 89K)
Brisbane
1-bedroom apartment (city centre)
AUD 1,900 – 2,400
(INR 1.05L – 1.33L)
Shared apartment
AUD 700 – 1,100
(INR 39K – 61K)
On-campus housing
AUD 900 – 1,500
(INR 50K – 83K)
Perth
1-bedroom apartment (city centre)
AUD 1,800 – 2,300
(INR 99K – 1.27L)
Shared apartment
AUD 650 – 1,000
(INR 36K – 55K)
On-campus housing
AUD 800 – 1,300
(INR 44K – 72K)
Adelaide
1-bedroom apartment (city centre)
AUD 1,500 – 2,000
(INR 83K – 1.11L)
Shared apartment
AUD 600 – 950
(INR 33K – 52K)
Student accommodation
AUD 700 – 1,200
(INR 39K – 66K)
Monthly Food and Grocery Expenses in Australia
Food and grocery costs form a major part of the monthly cost of living in Australia, especially for students and single professionals. Prices vary across cities, but groceries remain more affordable than eating out regularly.
Typical Food & Grocery Costs:
Grocery budget:
Milk (1L): AUD 2.45 (INR 141)
Bread (1 loaf): AUD 3.50 (INR 202)
Eggs (12): AUD 7.02 (INR 405)
Chicken fillet (1 lb): AUD 5.90 (INR 340)
Apples (1 lb): AUD 2.26 (INR 130)
Meal at inexpensive restaurant: AUD 25 (INR 1,439)
Hawker/fast food meal: AUD 12–18 (INR 660–990)
Cafe coffee: AUD 4–6 (INR 220–330)
Transportation Costs in Australia
Australia’s public transport system is reliable across major cities, and students get significant concessions. Your monthly travel cost will depend on how often you use buses, trains, trams, or opt for a shared ride.
Transport Type
Monthly Cost (AUD)
Monthly Cost (INR)
Public Transport Pass (Adult)
150–220
8,200–12,000
Student Concession Pass
90–150
4,900–8,200
Taxi (5 km)
12–18 per ride
660–990
Fuel (Petrol)
1.80–2.20 per litre
100–122
Bike/Scooter Rentals
40–80
2,200–4,400
Utilities and Internet Costs in Australia
Monthly utility costs in Australia depend on your city and apartment size. Students and single renters usually spend less, while families may have higher heating or cooling expenses.
Category
Average Monthly Cost (AUD)
Approx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water
180–260
9,900–14,300
Basic Internet (Unlimited, 50–100 Mbps)
60–95
3,300–5,200
Mobile Plan (Prepaid/Postpaid)
25–45
1,400–2,500
Healthcare Costs in Australia
Healthcare in Australia is high quality, but costs vary for students, temporary residents, and professionals. International students must purchase OSHC, while others may use private health insurance.
Category
Typical Cost (AUD)
Approx. Cost (INR)
OSHC for Students (Annual)
450–650
24,700–35,600
GP Consultation (Per Visit)
70–90
3,800–4,900
Specialist Consultation
150–250
8,200–13,700
Private Health Insurance (Monthly)
120–200
6,600–11,000
Medicines (Common Prescription)
20–40
1,100–2,200
Education Costs for Students in Australia
Australia is a top study destination, but tuition fees vary by university, course type, and city. Students should also plan for additional academic expenses during the year.
Program Type
Annual Tuition Fees (AUD)
Approx. Annual Cost (INR)
Undergraduate
20,000–45,000
11L–25L
Postgraduate
22,000–50,000
12L–28L
MBA
45,000–90,000
25L–50L
Medicine
55,000–1,00,000
30L–55L
Additional academic costs may include textbooks (500–1,000 AUD per year), student services fees, and course materials.
Cost of Living in Australia vs India
Australia is significantly more expensive, especially in rent, groceries, and transportation.
Overall Cost of Living in Australia is 180–220% higher than the cost of living in India, here is a comparison table:
Category
Australia (Monthly)
India (Monthly)
Rent (1-BHK, city centre)
AUD 1,800–2,800
INR 18K–35K
Groceries
AUD 400–650
INR 6K–10K
Transport Pass
AUD 150–220
INR 1K–2K
Eating Out
AUD 20–30/meal
INR 150–300
Budgeting Tips for Expats and Students in Australia
Living in Australia becomes more manageable with smart financial planning. Here are simple ways to reduce your average cost of living in Australia and avoid overspending as a student or expat.
a. How to Save on Rent?
Choose shared accommodation to cut rent by 30–40%.
Buy second-hand furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to save on setup costs.
b. How to Save on Food?
Shop groceries at affordable stores like ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths.
Cook at home instead of eating out; meal prepping helps reduce costs.
c. How to Save on Transport?
Use public transport cards like Myki (Melbourne) and Opal (Sydney) to save on daily travel.
Opt for student discounts on transport whenever available
d. Useful Budgeting Mobile Applications
Track monthly spending with apps like Splitwise or Revolut.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Australia varies based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you are a student or a working professional. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane offer more affordable living conditions. On average, students need AUD 1,800–2,500 per month (₹99K–1.38 lakh), while professionals may spend AUD 3,000–4,500 monthly (₹1.65–2.48 lakh).
With the right approach, Australia offers a high-quality lifestyle, excellent education, and strong career opportunities, making it a rewarding destination for international students and expats.
Planning your budget early, exploring scholarships, and using student discounts can significantly reduce your living expenses.
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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