Australia is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students. The country attracts students from all around the world due to its world-class education, top-ranked universities in the world, cultural diversity, and beautiful environment. Students can select any top-ranked universities in Australia to study higher education. However, students also need to consider the cost of living in Australia before applying for admission, which varies depending on the city you choose to live in.
Explore this blog to understand the monthly expenses in major Australian cities and the top student cities in Australia.
Study in Australia: A Dream Study Abroad Destination
Many International students plan to study in Australia every year due to its globally ranked universities and impressive lifestyle. This country is the home to top-ranking institutions like the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney. They provide various programs for students in areas like engineering, business, health sciences, and the arts. Beyond managing the tuition fees, students have to handle the living expenses to study higher education in Australia.
The cost of living in Australia is an important factor for international students planning to pursue higher education. While tuition fees cover academic expenses, day-to-day living costs such as accommodation, food, transport, and healthcare must also be considered. On average, students require between AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are known for higher living expenses, particularly in terms of rent and transport, while cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are relatively more affordable. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, with shared rentals costing between AUD 600 and AUD 1,500 per month. Food expenses average around AUD 300 to AUD 600 monthly, while public transport can range from AUD 100 to AUD 200 depending on location.
Healthcare and student insurance are additional mandatory costs. Many students also budget for leisure activities, internet, and study-related materials. Planning ahead and balancing expenses with part-time work opportunities can ease financial pressure.
Understanding the cost of living in Australia helps students make informed choices about where to study and live, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable study abroad journey in one of the world’s most popular education destinations.
Cost of Living in Australia
The average cost of living in Australia for international students is between AUD 5,000 to AUD 6,000 per month. It covers the monthly expenses like travelling, food, living costs, and other miscellaneous expenses of students. The major source of monthly expenses in Australia for international students, including Indians, is their accommodation. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are slightly expensive, while smaller cities such as Adelaide or Hobart are more affordable for students to study in Australia..
Monthly Expenses in Major Australian Cities
The cost of living in Australia includes expenses like Tuition, Accommodation, Travel, Health insurance, Food, etc. We have covered below the monthly expenses in major Australian cities:
- Sydney
Sydney is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Australia. Also, it is the most expensive for students, with total monthly expenses ranging between AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,800.
- Melbourne
It is known for its cultural diversity and academic excellence. Melbourne is slightly more affordable than Sydney. The cost of accommodation is between AUD 700 to AUD 1,300 per month, and total monthly expenses range between AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,300.
- Brisbane
Brisbane is one of the top student cities in Australia, known for its relaxed lifestyle and relatively lower living costs than Sydney and Melbourne. For those who choose to study abroad, the city offers an ideal balance of quality education and affordable living. The average monthly expenses in Brisbane for students is around AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,000.
Above are the top three popular cities in Australia, along with their monthly expenses for international students. Australia is among the top countries for higher education abroad, and applicants must spend between AUD 15,000 to AUD 30,000 as part of their cost of living while studying in Australia.
Top Student Cities in Australia
Apart from top-ranked universities, living expenses, etc., what attracts students is the Australian top student cities, which are known for an impressive lifestyle and better living conditions. Take a look at the best cities in Australia for international students as per QS for the year 2025:
| Top Student Cities | QS Ranking in 2025 |
| Melbourne | 5 |
| Sydney | 6 |
| Brisbane | 25 |
| Adelaide | 28 |
| Canberra | 29 |
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of living in Australia is the primary objective for international students before applying for admission. From housing and groceries to education and utilities, applicants have to manage all their expenses during their education in Australia. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive; on the other hand, cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth offer affordable prices. By proper planning, applicants can enjoy their study abroad journey in Australia.
Call to Action
Planning to study in Australia but unsure about monthly expenses?
Connect with Education Vibes and talk to our expert counsellors to know about the perfect city to study in Australia. Meet our experts who help you in selecting the right university, the admission process, and the visa application.
