The cost of living in Australia differs by city, accommodation you choose, and the food and lifestyle you adopt. Average monthly expenses vary from AUD 1,500 to 3,500 (approximately INR 1.00L-2.34L) per person and AUD 5,500 to 7,500+ (approximately INR 3.68L-5.02+L) per family of four, excluding significant differences in rent/housing costs.
Students sharing housing, using public transport, and taking a “cooking in” approach take care of their personal finances. Inevitably, your actual spending might be different depending on your choice of housing, travel habits, and food and lifestyle habits.
In this article, you'll learn about the average cost of living in Australia, student costs, accommodation, food, transport, utilities, city-wise costs, a comparison of the cost of living in Australia versus India, and tips on budgeting.
Average Cost of Living in Australia
The average cost of living in Australia varies by region and lifestyle. The most frequent costs are housing, groceries, commuting, utilities, and entertainment.
Excluding one of the highest costs, rent, expenses for a single individual and a family of four are estimated below at a monthly rate:
Household Type
Approximate Monthly Cost (AUD/Approximately in INR)
Single person
AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,500 (INR 1.00L-2.34L)
Family of four
AUD 5,500 to AUD 7,500+ (INR 3.68L-5.02L+)
These are general figures to give a broad idea of normal expenditure. This is a realistic range, not something that can be strictly applied to everyone because you may have certain food preferences, transportation needs, entertainment/mimesis expenses, and the size of your household.
Rental costs are a leading expense under the cost of living in Australia for students, followed by food and transport. Students must be able to keep their monthly expenses more under control when they are residing in the same housing unit and prepare their meals at home.
The following table lists common expenses for students who may want to add to their monthly budget:
Expense
Approximate Monthly Cost (AUD/Approximately in INR)
Food and groceries
AUD 350-650 (INR 23,405-43,466)
Public transport
AUD 30-220 (INR 2,006-14,711)
Mobile phone
AUD 20-70 (INR 1,337-4,681)
Internet
AUD 69-105 (INR 4,614-7,021)
Fitness and leisure
AUD 40-145 (INR 2,675-9,696)
The cost of living in Australia for students can vary widely because rent is not included in these everyday figures. Students living with roommates can reduce their total monthly budget considerably.
There are differences from city to city in the cost of living in Australia. City selection is important in terms of housing, transport, food, and entertainment prices.
The indicative monthly ranges below are intended to be used for comparison to assist with the general budget required:
City
Approximate Monthly Cost (AUD/Approximately in INR)
Sydney
AUD 2,400-3,400 (INR 1.60L-2.27L)
Melbourne
AUD 2,200-3,200 (INR 1.47L-2.14L)
Brisbane
AUD 1,900-2,800 (INR 1.27L-1.87L)
Perth
AUD 1,800-2,700 (INR 1.20L-1.80L)
Adelaide
AUD 1,700-2,500 (INR 1.14L-1.67L)
Canberra
AUD 1,900-2,800 (INR 1.27L-1.87L)
Hobart
AUD 1,700-2,500 (INR 1.14L-1.67L)
Darwin
AUD 1,900-2,800 (INR 1.27L-1.87L)
Sydney and Melbourne generally need a bigger budget, mainly because of housing costs. Adelaide and Hobart can be more affordable, although your final expenses will still depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.
In contrast, the cost required for Sydney and Melbourne is higher, primarily due to housing. Other cities like Adelaide and Hobart may be cheaper, but this will still rely on your accommodation and lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Melbourne, Australia
The cost of living in Melbourne, Australia is very different from one neighbourhood to another and one location to another. Rent may be lower in the areas outside the city centre, although it could cost more to commute.
These are typical student expenses, which can be used to plan a Melbourne budget:
Monthly living budget: AUD 2,200-3,200 (approximately INR 1.47L-2.14L)
Accommodation: AUD 900-1,600 (approximately INR 60,183-1.07L) for shared accommodation
Food and groceries: AUD 350-650 (approximately INR 23,405-43,466) per month
Transport: AUD 100-250 (approximately INR 6,687-16,718) per month
Rent also plays a major part in the cost of living in Melbourne, Australia. Opting to take up residence close to public transportation facilities can bring balance to rental and travel costs.
Cost of Living in Sydney, Australia for International Students
The cost of living in Sydney, Australia for international students is high. A shared house, a set budget for meals, and choosing a convenient area for access to public transport can help make living costs more affordable.
Students should consider these expenses while planning their Sydney budget:
Monthly living budget: AUD 2,400-3,400 (approximately INR 1.60L-2.27L)
Accommodation: AUD 900-1,600 (approximately INR 60,183-1.07L) for shared accommodation
Food and groceries: AUD 350-650 (approximately INR 23,405-43,466) per month
Transport: AUD 100-250 (approximately INR 6,687-16,718) per month
There are various types of expenses under the cost of living in Australia per month, but accommodation is the biggest expense. Of course, how much you pay will depend on what type of property it is, where it is located, how many bedrooms, distance from the city centre, etc.
Accommodation Cost by Type
The following table shows current indicative rent ranges for different property types, including apartments in and outside the city centre:
Accommodation Type
Approximate Monthly Cost (AUD/Approximately in INR)
Rent can make a major difference to the total cost of living in Australia per month. Students who share a three-bedroom property can split rent and utilities, making private housing more affordable.
Food and Grocery Costs in Australia
Costs of food may vary from person to person, based on the type of food purchased and how often one eats outside the home. Typically it's cheaper to cook at home than to go to restaurants frequently.
The table below uses grocery price ranges in Australia:
Prices for groceries may differ from shop to shop and store to store. Students may reduce the cost of living in Australia by comparing prices at the supermarkets and purchasing frequently used food items in bulk.
Restaurant Prices in Australia
The cost of eating out increases living costs in Australia, and out-of-home meals are a part of a monthly budget these days. Different establishments and restaurants also have different prices.
The following table shows the price ranges for common restaurant and beverage items:
Students can enjoy their meals at home most days to keep a check on their budget. As an example, items like coffee, eating out, takeout food, or a restaurant lunch can accumulate within a month's time even if it's a minor, regular purchase.
Students and working professionals spend money on transportation on a frequent basis. The cost will vary depending on the number of trips made, distance traveled, and type of transportation used (public or private).
The following table shows common transportation prices and ranges in Australia:
If the students live close to the university, then they can save on the expenses of transportation and the time spent every day on the way to and from university. Fares for public transport, walking, and cycling can be considerably less than fares for taxis or owning a car.
Utilities and Other Monthly Expenses in Australia
One of the easiest things to overlook when considering the cost of living in Australia is the cost of utilities. Electricity, water bills, heating, cooling, mobile services, internet costs, and leisure expenses can add up to a significant figure each month.
Listed below are some of the common utility, communication, fitness, and entertainment expenses from the provided data:
These costs will vary depending on the property, service provider, and lifestyle. Household costs can be shared between students who live at the same address, and entertainment expenses can be divided based on students' monthly budgets.
Clothing and Personal Expenses in Australia
Fixed item expenditure such as personal clothing or accessories is not fixed monthly expenditure, but can impact the final prices in the cost of living in Australia. Students can pay higher prices in certain seasons or during sales.
The table below displays prices of typical items of clothing and footwear:
They are usually done in a one-off situation as opposed to regular month-to-month buys. Keeping a little aside to buy clothes and personal belongings will avoid these costs from the monthly food or transport line item.
Cost of Living in Australia vs India
Looking at rent, food, transport, and services, the cost of living in Australia and India may vary significantly. Australian cities generally require a much larger budget for everyday living.
The following comparison gives a simple view of common expenses in both countries:
The Australian Student visa has a separate financial-capacity requirement for living costs. This amount is used for visa purposes and should not be confused with your exact monthly spending.
The current annual living-cost amounts for the primary student and accompanying family members are as follows:
Applicant
Approximate Cost (AUD/Approximately in INR)
Primary student
AUD 29,710 (INR 19.87L)
Spouse or de facto partner
AUD 10,394 (INR 6.95L)
Each dependent child
AUD 4,449 (INR 2.98L)
School-age dependent's school costs
AUD 13,502 (INR 9.02L)
The visa amount is not an obligation for a student to spend an exact equivalent, but it does indicate a financial requirement. Your budget will vary based on your rent, city, family size, and lifestyle.
How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Australia?
If it takes you a while to figure out how to cut the cost of living in Australia, there is no need to make major changes to do it. Small lifestyle changes such as considering inexpensive dwellings, preparing meals at home, and using public transport can have a significant impact on normal spending.
Choose Shared Accommodation
Rent and utilities will be reduced when you live together. It's particularly helpful for students who live in the city where rental apartments are likely to be costly.
Cook at Home
Store food and cook at home, which would cost less than regular dining out. Make a few simple meals every week so as not to waste money on takeout.
Use Public Transport
Use of public transport can aid in minimizing travel costs. It is also important to reinforce the concept of walking or cycling when the university and/or essential services are close by.
Track Small Expenses
But if you put it all together, it adds up to a high amount. When added together, they can cost you a significant portion of your monthly budget.
Some pleasure cuts will really help keep spending in line. Begin with rent and food when it comes to cutting back, since these are typically more flexible financial choices as compared to utilities, etc.
Elements of a good budget are rent, food, transportation, and expenses (utilities and personal spending). It should also build up some emergency funds to make room for a few emergencies that may arise and won't be covered by the month's income.
Set Your Rent Budget First
Housing costs can take up a significant portion of your income on a monthly basis, and you need to know how much you're going to put towards paying rent before you go over the budget on entertainment and other variable costs like that.
Compare Locations
An alternative liveable place on the outskirts of the city could be less expensive than living in the central area, but could mean that commutes become more expensive. Make comparisons and figure out which one is better for you to live in.
Keep Emergency Money
Save a little cash for emergencies, health expenses, replacements, or repairs. This can prevent one unexpected expense from impacting your regular budget.
Track Your First Few Months
You might incur a different amount of costs once you actually spend the money. See what you're spending once you move in, and tweak your monthly budget.
An easy-to-understand budget is better than a detailed budget. First aim for what you spend each month, then limit other flexible spending like entertainment and eating out.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Australia primarily includes where you live, your home, and your diet and lifestyle. The monthly cost with rent will cost a single person of approximately AUD 1,500-3,500 (approximately INR 1.00L-2.34L) monthly for a single person, excluding rent. If rent is included, then the budget for the student will be higher.
Students can budget their living costs with shared housing and cooking at home, using public transport. To help plan the appropriate budget, it can be helpful to compare the cost of living in Australia vs India, and budget accordingly for rent and monthly costs.
What is the average cost of living in Australia per month?
The Australia monthly cost data provides estimates of the average cost of living in Australia for a single person, excluding the cost of rent, around AUD 1,598.40 (approximately INR 1.07L).
What is the cost of living in Australia for students?
The cost of living for students in Australia includes living costs (rent, food, transportation, and lifestyle). If you're on a budget, consider sharing a flat or house with your friends and cooking together to split the cost of living.
What is the cost of living in Melbourne, Australia?
The cost of living in Melbourne, Australia, is relatively affordable, depending primarily on the rent and where someone resides. An indicative estimate is as much as around AUD 2,200-3,200 (approximately INR 1.47L-2.14L) per month, depending on the type of accommodation opted for by the student.
What is the cost of living in Sydney, Australia for international students?
The cost of living in Sydney, Australia for international students can be around AUD 2,400-3,400 (approximately INR 1.60-2.27) per month, depending on the lifestyle and accommodation.
What is the cost of living in Australia for Indian students?
The cost of living in Australia for Indian students is way more expensive than in India. Students may help with their monthly budgets by sharing a home, preparing their own meals, and getting to class by public transit.
Is Australia expensive for Indian students?
Rental prices, food, and services around the house are typically higher in Australia than in India, making it somewhat pricier for Indian students. Avoid costs through planning accommodation and monitoring all expenses during the day.
Is rent expensive in Australia?
Rent is a considerable cost in Australia. The cost of living in a one-bedroom apartment is AUD 1,200-3,645 (approximately INR 80,244-2.44L) and varies based on location and whether it is in or out of the city centre.
How much does food cost in Australia?
Food prices vary according to the product you are purchasing and the geographical location of your purchase. Common grocery products range from AUD 1.60-35 (approximately INR 107-2,340), which is a mixture of both product and quantity.
How much does public transport cost in Australia?
Fares and prices for public transport services differ in different locations or areas. Single rides on this service can cost anywhere between AUD 0.50-6 (approximately INR 33-401), and monthly passes range from AUD 30-220 (approximately INR 2,006-14,711) depending on your destination.
How can students reduce living expenses in Australia?
Students can cut costs by living in shared housing, preparing meals at home, taking the bus, looking around for the best meal, etc.
Is the cost of living in Australia higher than India?
Yes. The average cost of living in Australia is approximately 306.9% higher than in India, and there is an approximate 829.7% difference in prices for rent.
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