How Much Does It Cost to Live in Australia in 2025?

If you are considering studying or living in Australia in 2025, you need to understand what the cost of living will look like, which will help you manage your budget.  

On average, international students are spending approximately AUD 1,500–2,200 INR 82,500–INR 1,21,000 per month, depending on their city and lifestyle. 

Key costs include of expenses include: 

• Accommodation – House / apartment share, on-campus accommodation independent rental 
• Food & Groceries – Cooked food or restaurant food 
• Transport – Bus / train public transport pass, car fuel or servicing costs 
• Utilities & Internet – Electricity, water, gas, broadband 
• Lifestyle & Entertainment – Gym membership, drinks offered to new friends, and events 

This blog helps you make city comparisons, offer budgeting tips, and lists how students can save, to help make your study abroad experience as easy and smart as possible. 

What is the overall cost of living in Australia in 2025? 

As of 2025, international students in Australia typically budget around AUD 1,500–2,200 (INR 82,500–INR 1,21,000) per month, depending on lifestyle factors and location. 

This table provides a rundown of average monthly expenses:  

Expense Category	Appx.  Monthly Cost (AUD)	Appx.  Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	AUD 600–1,200	INR 33,000–INR 66,000
Food & Groceries	AUD 350–700	INR 19,250–INR 38,500
Transport	AUD 120–250	INR 6,600–INR 13,750
Utilities & Internet	AUD 150–250	INR 8,250–INR 13,750
Miscellaneous	AUD 200–400	INR 11,000–INR 22,000
Total	AUD 1,500–2,200	INR 82,500–INR 1,21,000

You can reduce your monthly expenses by planning a budget that also blends student discounts and shared housing options. 

Planning to Study in Australia? 
Must Read: Top Universities in Australia | Intakes in Australia | Student Visa for Australia  

How do living costs differ between major Australian cities? 

Cost of living in Australia, Melbourne, is higher compared to other cities, with Sydney also being expensive. In contrast, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart offer lower living costs, making them more budget-friendly options for students and residents. 

Here’s a city-wise comparison: 

City	Appx. Monthly Cost (AUD)	Appx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Sydney	AUD 2,000–2,500	INR 1,10,000–INR 1,37,500
Melbourne	AUD 1,800–2,300	INR 99,000–INR 1,26,500
Brisbane	AUD 1,600–2,100	INR 88,000–INR 1,15,500
Perth	AUD 1,500–2,000	INR 82,500–INR 1,10,000
Adelaide	AUD 1,400–1,900	INR 77,000–INR 1,04,500
Hobart	AUD 1,300–1,800	INR 71,500–INR 99,000

 International students will save up to AUD 600 (INR 33,000) if staying in the cities of Adelaide, Hobart, or Perth in comparison to Sydney. 

What are the main factors that influence living costs? 

Living costs depend on lifestyle, city, and personal spending. Here are the main factors: 

• Accommodation type – On-campus housing is convenient but often pricier, while shared apartments cut costs. 
• City choice – Sydney and Melbourne are costlier, whereas Adelaide and Hobart are budget-friendly. 
• Food habits – Eating out regularly can double expenses compared to home cooking. 
• Transport options – Students using public transport passes save significantly on daily tickets. 
• Lifestyle choices – Entertainment, shopping, and travel add extra expenses. 
• Part-time work – Working up to 48 hours per fortnight helps balance living costs. 

Tracking your monthly budget and using student discounts can help manage costs smartly. 

How much do housing and accommodation cost in Australia? 

In 2025, accommodation is the biggest living expense for international students in Australia, making up nearly 30–40% of their monthly budget. Costs vary by city, type of housing, and amenities offered.  

Here’s a breakdown: 

Type of Housing	Appx Monthly Cost (AUD)	Appx Monthly Cost (INR)
Shared Apartment	AUD 500 – 1,000	INR 27,000 – INR 54,000
On-campus Accommodation	AUD 750 – 1,500	INR 40,500 – INR 81,000
Independent Apartment	AUD 1,200 – 2,500	INR 64,800 – INR 1,35,000
Homestay with Meals	AUD 1,000 – 1,500	INR 54,000 – INR 81,000

On-campus housing offers convenience, but shared apartments are often more affordable in bigger cities. 

Also Read: Student Accommodation in Australia: Types and Costs 

How much is shared accommodation compared to independent housing? 

Shared accommodation is one of the most popular and budget-friendly options for international students. Independent housing, while offering more privacy, comes at a significantly higher cost. 

Housing Type	Monthly Range (AUD)	In INR (₹ approx.)	Key Benefit
Shared Apartment	500 – 1,000	₹27,000 – ₹54,000	Cost-saving
Independent Housing	1,200 – 2,500	₹64,800 – ₹1,35,000	Privacy

Students can save nearly 50% of their rent by choosing shared accommodation instead of living independently. 

Are there affordable housing options for students in Australia? 

Sure, students in Australia have a variety of housing choices that are designed to suit many budgets and lifestyles.  

The main ones include: 

• Student Halls – run by universities and typically located nearby. 
• Shared Rentals – sharing accommodation rent with peers in private apartments. 
• Homestays – living with a local family, usually with meals provided. 
• Regional Housing – cheaper than city-center rental housing. 

Opting for lodging in suburban locations or regional towns can save you 20-30% off typical city-center rents. 

How can I find cost-effective rental properties in Australia? 

Finding cheap housing will require some research and using the appropriate platforms. 

 Below are trustworthy options available for students:  

• University Housing Portals - Universities usually have verified listings.  
• Websites like Domain, Flatmates, “Realestate.com.au”- Well used and popular in Australia. 
• Student Facebook Groups & WhatsApp Communities - Deals recommended through peers and students.  
• Community noticeboards – Cafés, libraries, community centers usually have postings.  

Always inspect the property, either physically or virtually, prior to signing the lease to avoid surprise fees. 

What are the food and grocery expenses in Australia? 

Food and grocery prices in Australia are relatively higher compared to many countries. The average monthly grocery bill for a single person is around AUD 500 (INR 27,600). Eating out is also costly, with a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant costing about AUD 25 ( INR 1,380).  

Here are the typical food and grocery expenses: 

Item	Average Cost (AUD)	Average Cost (INR)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	25	1,380
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	120	6,630
McMeal at McDonald's (or similar)	15	830
Cappuccino	5.5	305
Milk (1 liter)	1.9	105
Bread (500g)	3.4	190
Rice (1kg)	3.3	182
Eggs (12)	6.3	350
Chicken (1kg)	12.2	675
Apples (1kg)	5.2	288
Bananas (1kg)	4.2	232
Tomatoes (1kg)	6.2	342
Potatoes (1kg)	3.6	199
Onions (1kg)	3.1	171
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	2.4	132

Planning meals at home and shopping smartly can reduce these costs significantly. 

How can students or expats save money on food? 

Groceries and meals can take a significant portion of your budget. Here are some practical ways to save some money on food in Australia: 

• Cook at home – Cooking your meals saves you from eating–out costs. 
• Buy in bulk – Things like rice, pasta, and canned goods are less expensive when you buy in bulk.  
• Use the markets – Weekly farmers’ markets often have the freshest produce at a cheaper price.  
• Watch for specials – Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths have great specials on all sorts of foods each week. 
• Cook with others – Cooking food with housemates and friends shares the costs and helps minimize waste. 

If you cook at home and smart shop, students can realize food budget savings of 20–30% a month. 

Also Read: Student Visa Costs in Australia 

How much does transportation cost in Australia? 

Public transportation is a widely utilized mode of travel for students in Australia, with trains, buses, and trams being the primary modes of transport.  

The average transportation cost for international students is around AUD 100–150 (INR 5,500 – INR 8,200) per month.  

Here is a breakdown of transportation costs in Australia: 

Transport Mode	Appx. Cost (AUD)	Appx. Cost (INR)
Public Transport (monthly pass)	AUD 100–150	INR 5,500 – INR 8,200
Taxi (per km)	AUD 2–3	INR 110 – INR 165
Fuel (per liter)	AUD 1.8–2.0	INR 100 – INR 110
Car (monthly maintenance)	AUD 150–250	INR 8,200 – INR 13,700

Students usually prefer public transport as it is more affordable and reliable compared to private taxis or owning a car. 

How expensive is owning and maintaining a car in Australia? 

Aside from the purchase price, car ownership in Australia also involves ongoing, regular cost. The average total cost of car ownership is AUD 10,000–12,000 (INR 5.5–6.6 lakh) per year, including fuel, insurance, servicing, and registration.  

Here are the main costs:  

• Car insurance (AUD 800–1,500, INR 44,000–INR 82,500) per year.  
• Car registration (AUD 500–800, INR 27,500–INR 44,000) each year.  
• Fuel ($250–300, INR 13,750–INR 16,500) a month.  
• Maintenance and servicing (AUD 800–1,200, INR 44,000–INR 66,000) yearly.  
• Cost of parking in the cities (AUD 2–5, INR 110–INR 275) per hour.  

For students, owning a car is generally not conceivable unless you live in a suburb with limited public transportation. 

Are there discounted transport options for students? 

Australia has a plethora of subsidized transport cards and passes for students to help them save a great deal each month. In most states in Australia, student concessions are available on public transportation which means discounts can be as much as 30% to 50% off on public transport services.  

Here is what is currently available: 

• Opal Card (Sydney) – Students receive 30 – 50% discount on buses, ferries and trains. 
• Myki Card (Melbourne) – Students receive 40% discount for full-time international students on trams, buses and trains. 
• Go Card (Queensland) – Students receive discounts up to 50% on buses and trains. 
• Smart Rider (Perth) – Student concession fares are 40 -50% lower than adult fares. 
• MetroCard (Adelaide) – Student card holders receive reduced fares.  

These transport student cards make commuting around major Australian cities a lot cheaper and budget-friendly! 

What are the utility and internet expenses in Australia? 

According to the Australian Energy Regulator (2024), households in Australia pay an average of around AUD 220 (INR 12,100) a month for utilities (electricity, gas, and water) and another AUD 70 (INR 3,850) monthly for internet. These costs can be lower or higher depending on the city, type of housing, and personal usage. 

 To illustrate, the average cost for each of the main utility expenditures are:  

• Electricity bills - Average monthly bill is AUD 120 (INR 6,600). 
• Water supply - Average monthly bill is between AUD 40 (INR 2,200)-AUD 70 (INR 3,850), depending on the region. 
• Gas usage - Average monthly bill is AUD 90 (INR 4,950) (which is normally comprised of charges for heating and cooking). 
• Internet services – Average monthly bill is AUD 70 (INR 3,850) (assuming an unlimited broadband plan). 

So, combined utility and internet costs could be anywhere from AUD 300-350 (INR 16,500-19,250) per month for many people, straight up costs before use. 

Are there ways to lower utility bills in Australia? 

As stated by the Australian Energy Regulator, households can save as much as 15 percent off their utility bills every year by practicing smart usage. Here are some habits that many people practice:  

• Energy-efficient appliances – Using a 4-5 star rated appliance helps keep power use down. 
• Off-peak usage – Using washing machines or dishwashers overnight will be less expensive. 
• Switching providers – Finding better energy and internet plans can save anywhere from AUD 20-30 (INR 1,100-1,650) each month.  
• Smart thermostats – The ability to control heating and cooling allows for no wasted energy on units not currently in use.  

All of these habits will help cut utility bills, and they will also help promote sustainable living. 

How do seasonal changes affect monthly utility costs in Australia? 

Australian energy use shifts with seasons, making bills higher in summer and winter due to cooling and heating needs. Here’s how the costs usually differ: 

Season	Average Monthly Electricity Cost	Average Monthly Gas Cost
Summer	AUD 150 (INR 8,250)	AUD 60 (INR 3,300)
Winter	AUD 180 (INR 9,900)	AUD 100 (INR 5,500)
Spring/Autumn	AUD 100 (INR 5,500)	AUD 50 (INR 2,750)

Seasonal variation can increase bills by up to AUD 100–150 (INR 5,500–8,250) monthly, so budgeting extra during peak months is a smart approach. 

What are the lifestyle and entertainment costs in Australia? 

Living in Australia as a student means balancing academics with lifestyle and fun. On average, students spend AUD 80–150 (INR 4,400–8,200) per week on leisure, fitness, and entertainment. 

Here are the common lifestyle expenses you may face: 

Expense Category	Appx. Monthly Cost (AUD)	Appx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Dining Out	200–400	INR 11,000–22,000
Movies & Shows	40–80	INR 2,200–4,400
Gym/Fitness	60–100	INR 3,300–5,500
Sports/Outdoor	50–120	INR 2,700–6,600
Social Events	100–250	INR 5,500–13,700

These costs vary by city, Sydney and Melbourne are on the higher side, while Adelaide and Perth are usually cheaper. 

What is the average cost for gym memberships or fitness activities? 

Fitness is an important part of student life in Australia. According to health surveys, about 60% of students join a gym or sports club during their stay.  

Here are the usual costs: 

Fitness Activity	Appx. Monthly Cost (AUD)	Appx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Gym Membership	60–100	INR 3,300–5,500
Yoga Classes	80–120	INR 4,400–6,600
Swimming Pass	50–90	INR 2,700–5,000
Sports Club Fee	100–200	INR 5,500–11,000

Many universities offer discounted or free fitness facilities, which can help students save a lot. 

How much do social activities and events cost? 

Social activities are an essential part of student life in Australia, from concerts to cultural events. On average, students spend AUD 100–250 (INR 5,500–13,700) monthly.  

Here are the usual costs: 

• Concert Tickets – AUD 80–200 (INR 4,400–11,000) 
• Student Clubs – AUD 30–60 (INR 1,600–3,300) per semester 
• Dining & Nightlife – AUD 50–150 (INR 2,700–8,200) monthly 
• Festivals/Events – AUD 40–100 (INR 2,200–5,500) per event 

Participating in university events is often cheaper than city events, making them a budget-friendly option. 

Can part-time work cover lifestyle expenses for students? 

International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours in breaks. With an average wage of AUD 23/hour (INR 1,260), students can partly cover lifestyle costs. 

Work Type	Appx. Earnings/Week (AUD)	Appx. Earnings/Week (INR)
Retail/Café Jobs	300–400	INR 16,500–22,000
Tutoring/Internships	350–500	INR 19,200–27,500
Delivery/Other Jobs	250–380	INR 13,700–20,900

While part-time work can cover lifestyle and entertainment, it may not be enough to pay for rent and tuition together. Students should plan accordingly. 

How can one budget effectively while living in Australia? 

Living costs can be high in Australia. Students doing a lot of shopping can spend from AUD 1,400 - 2,500 (INR 78,000 - 1,40,000) a monthly average depending on location and lifestyle choices. So, money management is essential if you want to balance your studies and everyday life.  

Below are quick tips on budgeting while studying or living in Australia: 

• Shared Accommodation - Renting a unit or apartment with friends or family is a great way to share the cost of utilities and groceries.  
• Keep Track - Monitoring expenses can help you see unnecessary outflows of money.  
• Shop Smart - Avoid impulse buys by comparing prices, keeping an eye on specials and sticking to a shopping list.  
• Buy Clothes at the End of a Season - Clothes available at end-of-season sales are often 70%-80% less than full-price items. You may also consider buying second-hand goods either at a store or on the internet.  
• Secondhand Items - Op shops (operational shops) are often a good place to buy furniture, cutlery, and everyday household essentials at a fraction of retail prices.  
• Review Gas and Electricity Comparison Websites - An internet search for gas and electricity plans can often help you find the best and cheaper plans on the market.  
• Watch Fuel Prices - Observing petrol price cycles helps to save money when buying petrol by filling your tank when petrol is at its cheapest.  
• Mobile Phone Plans - Consider your usage and then choose a phone plan that matches your usage and budget.   
• Gourmet Meals at Home - You can save money every day of the week by cooking your own meals at home, taking your own lunch from home to school/university, and brewing your own coffee at home. 

Conclusion  

Knowing the cost of living in Australia helps students plan their study journey with confidence. From housing to food and transport, clear budgeting makes life abroad easier. 

With smart planning and part-time work, managing expenses becomes simple, leaving more time to focus on studies and experiences. 

Still worried about the cost of living in Australia? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts and get the right guidance for your study abroad plans.