Moving to Australia for studies? Over 120,000 Indian students already call it home. The universities are highly ranked, the job market is well-paying, and the lifestyle is exciting. But what is the cost of living in Australia?
Living expenses depend on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are pricey, while Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth are more budget-friendly. On average, students spend AUD 21,000–AUD 35,000 (₹11L–₹19L) per year on rent, food, transport, and daily expenses.
Rent: A shared place in Clayton (Melbourne) or Parramatta (Sydney) costs AUD 700–AUD 1,500 (₹38K–₹82K) per month. Living closer to the city adds to the cost.
Groceries: A monthly shop at Coles, Woolworths, or Patel Brothers costs AUD 300–AUD 600 (₹16,500–₹33,000). Buying in bulk and shopping at Indian stores helps cut costs.
Transport: A student Opal, Myki, or Go Card keeps travel costs between AUD 100–AUD 200 (₹5,500–₹11,000) per month. Public transport is reliable, and many universities have shuttle buses.
Food: Eating out at Dosa Hut or Chatkazz costs AUD 12–AUD 20 (₹660–₹1,100), while a proper meal at The Spice Room or Hawker Hall can go over AUD 40 (₹2,200).
Living well in Australia doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan smart. This guide covers everything—rent, food, transport—so you know what to expect before you land.
Monthly Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
The Australian Government estimates that students need at least AUD 24,505 (₹13.6L) per year to cover essential expenses. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are expensive, while Adelaide and Perth offer more budget-friendly options. Planning ahead helps avoid financial stress.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Australia
Expense Category
Cost (AUD/INR)
Where to Save?
Rent (Shared Apartment)
AUD 600–1,500 (₹33K–₹83K)
Search on Flatmates.com.au, Domain.com.au
University Dormitory
AUD 900–2,000 (₹50K–₹1.1L)
Apply early via university portals
Groceries & Food
AUD 300–600 (₹16K–₹33K)
Buy from Aldi, Coles, Woolworths
Eating Out
AUD 10–25 (₹550–₹1.3K) per meal
Cheaper options at Hungry Jack’s, Guzman y Gomez
Public Transport
AUD 80–160 (₹4.5K–₹9K)
Get Opal (NSW), Myki (VIC), or Go Card (QLD)
Utilities & Internet
AUD 100–250 (₹5.5K–₹14K)
Compare Telstra, Optus, TPG for best deals
Health Insurance (OSHC)
AUD 40–80 (₹2.2K–₹4.5K)
Bupa, Medibank, Allianz offer student plans
Entertainment & Misc.
AUD 100–300 (₹5.5K–₹16K)
Discounts at Event Cinemas, Anytime Fitness
City-Wise Cost of Living in Australia
City
Rent (1-BR Apartment)
Public Transport
Groceries
Sydney
AUD 2,500 (₹1.4L)
AUD 160 (₹9K)
AUD 600 (₹33K)
Melbourne
AUD 2,200 (₹1.2L)
AUD 150 (₹8.3K)
AUD 550 (₹30K)
Brisbane
AUD 1,800 (₹99K)
AUD 140 (₹7.7K)
AUD 500 (₹27K)
Adelaide
AUD 1,500 (₹83K)
AUD 100 (₹5.5K)
AUD 450 (₹25K)
Perth
AUD 1,600 (₹88K)
AUD 120 (₹6.6K)
AUD 500 (₹27K)
How to Cut Cost of Living in Australia
Buy groceries from Aldi—cheaper than Coles & Woolworths.
Use student discounts on transport—Opal & Myki cards offer 40–50% savings.
Work part-time at McDonald's, KFC, or Woolworths—pay starts at AUD 20/hour.
Share accommodation to split rent and utilities.
Cost of Living in Australia: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Accommodation
Housing is the biggest expense for Indian students in Australia. Rent takes up 30–40% of monthly expenses. On-campus housing offers convenience, while off-campus options provide lower costs and more independence.
Cost of Living in Australia Comparison: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
Accommodation Type
Monthly Cost (AUD/INR)
Where to Find?
University Dormitory
AUD 900–2,000 (₹50K–₹1.1L)
Check university housing portals
Shared Apartment
AUD 600–1,500 (₹33K–₹83K)
Flatmates.com.au, Domain.com.au
Homestay (Living with a Family)
AUD 1,000–1,800 (₹55K–₹99K)
Apply through Homestay Network
Studio Apartment
AUD 1,500–2,500 (₹83K–₹1.4L)
Find listings on realestate.com.au, Gumtree
Best Cities for Affordable Student Housing
City
Avg. Rent (Shared Apartment)
Avg. Rent (Dormitory)
Sydney
AUD 1,200 (₹66K)
AUD 2,000 (₹1.1L)
Melbourne
AUD 1,000 (₹55K)
AUD 1,800 (₹99K)
Brisbane
AUD 900 (₹50K)
AUD 1,500 (₹83K)
Adelaide
AUD 750 (₹41K)
AUD 1,200 (₹66K)
Perth
AUD 800 (₹44K)
AUD 1,300 (₹72K)
Where to Find Student Housing
University housing websites list on-campus rooms and dorms.
Flatmates.com.au connects students with roommates and shared apartments.
Gumtree & Facebook Marketplace list affordable rental properties.
Student hostels like YHA Australia provide budget-friendly short-term stays.
How to Reduce Accommodation Costs
Book early—on-campus dorms fill up fast.
Live in suburbs like Parramatta (Sydney) or Footscray (Melbourne) for lower rent.
Negotiate lease terms for long-term rentals.
Avoid rental scams—always visit the property before paying deposits.
Cost of Living in Australia: Food & Grocery
Supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi offer affordable grocery options, while specialty stores like Harris Farm and Costco stock premium and bulk products. Eating out is expensive, with meals at restaurants costing much more than home-cooked food.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Australia: Food Expenses
Expense Type
Cost (AUD/INR)
Where to Save?
Groceries (Home Cooking)
AUD 300–600 (₹16K–₹33K)
Shop at Aldi for lower prices
Budget Meal (Fast Food)
AUD 10–15 (₹550–₹830) per meal
McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, Domino’s
Mid-Range Restaurant
AUD 25–50 (₹1.3K–₹2.7K) per meal
Nando’s, Grill’d, Guzman y Gomez
Fine Dining Experience
AUD 80–200 (₹4.4K–₹11K) per meal
The Meat & Wine Co., Rockpool
Grocery Prices in Australia
Grocery Item
Average Price (AUD/INR)
Where to Buy?
Milk (2L)
AUD 3–4 (₹165–₹220)
Coles, Woolworths
Eggs (Dozen)
AUD 5–8 (₹275–₹440)
Aldi for cheaper options
Chicken (1 kg)
AUD 10–14 (₹550–₹770)
Butcher shops, Costco for bulk
Rice (5 kg)
AUD 12–18 (₹660–₹990)
Indian grocery stores, Costco
Fresh Vegetables (per kg)
AUD 3–8 (₹165–₹440)
Local farmers' markets
Potatoes (1 kg)
AUD 2–4 (₹110–₹220)
Woolworths, Harris Farm
Cooking Oil (1L)
AUD 5–9 (₹275–₹495)
Aldi, Costco for bulk buys
How to Save on Food Expenses
Shop at Aldi for lower grocery prices compared to Coles and Woolworths.
Buy fresh produce from farmers' markets—cheaper and better quality.
Cook at home—restaurant meals cost 3–5 times more.
Use supermarket loyalty programs like Flybuys (Coles) and Everyday Rewards (Woolworths) for discounts.
Look for clearance items at Coles & Woolworths—marked down before closing time.
Public Transport Costs for Students in Australia
Public transport is affordable for students, especially with concession cards. Each state has its own transport system, with discounts for full-time students. Trains, buses, and trams are the main travel options in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Average Public Transport Costs for Students
City
Monthly Transport Pass (AUD/INR)
Discount for Students?
Sydney (Opal Card)
AUD 80–160 (₹4.5K–₹9K)
50% off for full-time students
Melbourne (Myki Card)
AUD 90–150 (₹5K–₹8.3K)
50% off with Myki concession
Brisbane (Go Card)
AUD 85–140 (₹4.7K–₹7.7K)
50% discount for students
Adelaide (MetroCard)
AUD 70–120 (₹3.8K–₹6.6K)
Student concession available
Perth (SmartRider)
AUD 60–100 (₹3.3K–₹5.5K)
Cheapest transport for students
Cost of Individual Transport Rides
Transport Type
Student Fare (AUD/INR)
Regular Fare (AUD/INR)
Notes
Train Ride (Sydney)
AUD 2–4 (₹110–₹220)
AUD 4–8 (₹220–₹440)
Opal card needed
Tram Ride (Melbourne)
Free in CBD
AUD 3–5 (₹165–₹275)
Myki card required
Bus Ride (Brisbane)
AUD 2–4 (₹110–₹220)
AUD 4–7 (₹220–₹385)
Use Go Card for savings
Ferry Ride (Sydney)
AUD 3–5 (₹165–₹275)
AUD 6–10 (₹330–₹550)
Cheaper with Opal card
How to Save on Public Transport
Apply for a student concession card—saves up to 50% on fares.
Use weekly or monthly travel passes to avoid paying per trip.
Travel off-peak—Sydney and Melbourne offer discounts for off-peak hours.
Take advantage of free transport zones—Melbourne CBD trams are free.
Use transport apps like TripView (Sydney) and PTV (Melbourne) to plan routes and avoid extra charges.
Cost of Living in Australia: Healthcare & Insurance
Healthcare in Australia is high-quality but expensive, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students. Without insurance, a doctor’s visit costs AUD 80–150 (₹4.4K–₹8.3K), and hospital stays can exceed AUD 1,500 (₹83K) per day.
OSHC: What It Covers and Costs
OSHC Provider
Monthly Cost (AUD/INR)
Coverage
Bupa OSHC
AUD 40–75 (₹2.2K–₹4.1K)
GP visits, hospital stays, ambulance
Medibank OSHC
AUD 45–80 (₹2.5K–₹4.5K)
Medicines, tests, and emergency care
Allianz OSHC
AUD 42–78 (₹2.3K–₹4.3K)
Doctor visits, hospital bills, ambulance
nib OSHC
AUD 38–70 (₹2.1K–₹3.8K)
Covers basic health expenses
AHM OSHC
AUD 35–65 (₹1.9K–₹3.6K)
Budget-friendly, limited coverage
Medical Costs Without Insurance
Service
Cost (AUD/INR)
Notes
General Doctor Visit (GP)
AUD 80–150 (₹4.4K–₹8.3K)
Some bulk-billed under OSHC
Hospital Stay (Per Day)
AUD 1,500+ (₹83K+)
High without OSHC
Specialist Consultation
AUD 150–300 (₹8.3K–₹16.5K)
Dermatology, cardiology, etc.
Prescription Medicine
AUD 20–50 (₹1.1K–₹2.7K)
Discounts with OSHC
Dental Checkup
AUD 100–250 (₹5.5K–₹14K)
Not covered by OSHC
Ambulance Ride
AUD 800–1,500 (₹44K–₹83K)
OSHC covers this
How to Reduce Healthcare Costs
Use bulk-billing GPs—they charge OSHC providers directly, so no upfront payment.
Visit university health clinics—most offer free or low-cost medical services.
Get prescription discounts—some pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse offer cheaper rates.
Check dental discount plans—Bupa and Medibank offer extra plans for dental care.
Part-Time Work for Indian Students: Earning While Studying in Australia
Indian students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during semesters and full-time during holidays. A part-time job helps cover rent, groceries, and travel expenses while gaining work experience. The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23 (₹1,285) per hour, one of the highest in the world.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
Job Type
Hourly Pay (AUD/INR)
Where to Apply?
Retail (Coles, Woolworths, Kmart)
AUD 22–28 (₹1.2K–₹1.5K)
Company websites
Fast Food (McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s)
AUD 21–25 (₹1.1K–₹1.4K)
In-store or online
Cafe & Restaurant Jobs (Gloria Jean’s, Guzman y Gomez)
AUD 22–30 (₹1.2K–₹1.7K)
Walk-in applications
Call Center & Customer Service
AUD 24–35 (₹1.3K–₹1.9K)
Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn
UberEats & DoorDash Delivery
AUD 25–35 (₹1.4K–₹1.9K)
Need an Australian driving license
Tutoring (Math, Science, English)
AUD 30–50 (₹1.7K–₹2.7K)
Superprof, university listings
Supermarket Night Fill (Woolworths, Aldi)
AUD 26–32 (₹1.4K–₹1.8K)
Apply online
Cleaning & Warehouse Jobs
AUD 22–28 (₹1.2K–₹1.5K)
Local businesses, Gumtree
How Much Can Students Earn?
A student working 24 hours per week at AUD 25 per hour earns AUD 2,400 (₹1.3L) per month. Full-time holiday work can double earnings.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs?
Seek, Indeed, Jora—popular job search websites.
Gumtree & Facebook Jobs—local businesses post vacancies here.
University job boards—on-campus positions are competitive but flexible.
Networking & referrals—many students find jobs through word-of-mouth.
Tips to Get a Job Faster
Get an Australian Tax File Number (TFN)—needed for legal employment.
Prepare a resume with local experience—employers prefer Australian work history.
Apply in person—small cafes and retail stores hire walk-in applicants.
Use student job portals—universities post jobs on their career websites.
Hidden Costs of Studying in Australia
When planning to study in Australia, most students focus on tuition and rent. But there are a few extra costs that come up along the way. It’s nothing to worry about, just good to know beforehand so you can budget better. Think of things like visa fees, health insurance, transport, and study materials—they all add up but are easy to manage with a little planning.
Look for second-hand textbooks on Facebook Marketplace or university groups.
Use student discounts for transport and mobile plans—Opal, Myki, and Go Card offer great savings.
Compare OSHC providers (Bupa, Medibank, Allianz) before signing up.
Book flights early to get the best prices, especially before peak seasons.
Consider shared accommodation to split rent and upfront deposits.
Most Affordable Australian Cities for Indian Students
Not every city in Australia costs the same to live in. Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular but also the most expensive. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly city, places like Adelaide, Hobart, and Brisbane offer great education with a lower cost of living in Australia.
Where Can You Live for Less?
City
Rent (Shared Apartment)
Public Transport (Monthly)
Cost of Living Index*
Adelaide
AUD 750–1,200 (₹41K–₹66K)
AUD 100 (₹5.5K)
75
Brisbane
AUD 900–1,400 (₹50K–₹77K)
AUD 140 (₹7.7K)
80
Hobart
AUD 800–1,300 (₹44K–₹72K)
AUD 90 (₹5K)
70
Perth
AUD 850–1,400 (₹47K–₹77K)
AUD 120 (₹6.6K)
78
Canberra
AUD 1,000–1,500 (₹55K–₹83K)
AUD 150 (₹8.3K)
85
(*Higher index means slightly more expensive.)
Why These Cities Are More Budget-Friendly
Lower rent than big cities like Sydney.
Cheaper groceries—Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths offer great deals.
Discounted student transport saves AUD 40–50 per month.
Easier to find part-time jobs due to less competition.
Best Places to Find Student Housing
Flatmates.com.au & Domain.com.au—great for shared rentals.
University accommodation offices—sometimes offer discounted options.
Gumtree & Facebook Marketplace—useful for short-term stays.
upGrad Abroad’s Assistance for Studying in Australia
Studying in Australia comes with different expenses, and planning ahead helps manage costs better. The upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator gives a clear picture of what to expect, so students can budget smartly.
How It Helps with Expense Planning
The calculator estimates living costs based on:
Country Selection – Choose Australia as your study destination. Education Level – Pick undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Course Category – Select from Management, Engineering, Arts, and more. Intake Session – Enter your enrollment period for accurate estimates. Accommodation Type – Compare on-campus and off-campus costs. Food Preferences – Choose between meal plans, eating out, or cooking at home. Transport Options – Pick public transport, Uber/Ola, rentals, or e-bikes. Entertainment & Lifestyle – Budget for movies, gym, WiFi, and social outings. Mobile Usage – Estimate phone bills based on low, medium, or high usage.
Why Use It?
Get an accurate cost breakdown before moving to Australia.
Adjust expenses based on lifestyle choices.
Plan finances better and avoid surprises.
Receive a detailed budget estimate after completing the steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much emergency savings should an Indian student have before moving to Australia?
Students should have at least AUD 5,000–10,000 (₹2.75L–₹5.5L) in savings to cover initial expenses like rent, transport, and essential purchases before securing part-time work.
What is the cost of setting up a new apartment, including furniture and basic appliances?
Setting up an apartment costs AUD 2,000–4,000 (₹1.1L–₹2.2L) for furniture, kitchen essentials, and home appliances. Buying second-hand items reduces costs significantly.
Are there any government-funded financial assistance programs for international students in Australia?
No direct financial aid is available, but universities offer grants, scholarships, and hardship funds. Some states provide transport subsidies for students.
How expensive is medical treatment for students who don’t have private health insurance?
Without private insurance, a doctor’s visit costs AUD 50–100 (₹2,750–₹5,500). Emergency care can exceed AUD 1,500 (₹82K), so Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory.
What are the additional costs when signing a rental lease, such as bond deposits and agent fees?
Students need to pay a bond deposit (4–6 weeks' rent), advance rent (2–4 weeks), and agent fees (if applicable), totaling AUD 2,000–4,500 (₹1.1L–₹2.5L).
How do Australian taxation rules affect part-time student earnings?
Students earning over AUD 18,200 (₹10L) per year must pay tax (10–30%). A Tax File Number (TFN) is required to work legally in Australia.
What are the best apps and platforms to find second-hand furniture and electronics at a low cost?
Popular platforms include Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay, offering affordable second-hand furniture, appliances, and electronics.
How much do students typically spend on stationery, printing, and study materials per semester?
Expect to spend AUD 200–500 (₹11K–₹28K) on textbooks, printing, and online learning materials. Some universities offer free digital resources.
Are there any unexpected one-time expenses Indian students should prepare for in their first few months?
Yes, students should budget for visa renewal (AUD 600, ₹33K), health checkups (AUD 300, ₹16.5K), and driving license conversion (AUD 150–250, ₹8K–₹14K).
What are the best banks in Australia for students with low-fee accounts and good money transfer rates?
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ offer student accounts with zero monthly fees and competitive international transfer rates.
How much do students typically spend on fitness and gym memberships in Australia?
Gym memberships cost AUD 30–70 (₹1,650–₹3,850) per month. Many universities offer free or discounted gym access for students.
Are international students eligible for any transport subsidies or free travel passes?
Students in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane get discounted transport passes, but not all cities offer subsidies for international students.
What is the cost of traveling back to India during holidays, and how can students get cheap flight tickets?
Flights from Australia to India cost AUD 800–1,500 (₹44K–₹82K). Booking early, using student discounts, or choosing budget airlines helps reduce costs.
How do student discounts work in Australia, and which retailers offer the best deals?
Students can save on electronics, fashion, and food using UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and ISIC. Stores like Apple, JB Hi-Fi, and McDonald’s offer discounts.
What financial mistakes do Indian students often make when moving to Australia?
Common mistakes include not budgeting for hidden costs, signing expensive rental contracts, overspending on eating out, and not taking advantage of student discounts.
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 academic knowledge and practical insights into international education and study abroad programs, particularly in addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of studying in Ireland.
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