Living Expenses in Australia for International Students

Living expenses in Australia are an important part of planning your study journey in Australia. Before you arrive, it helps to understand what everyday life might cost, from rent and groceries to transport and health insurance.

The Australian Government currently requires international students to show access to at least $29,710 per year to cover living costs while studying in Australia.

Most students spend around $2,200-$2,500 per month, depending on the city you live in and the lifestyle you build for yourself.

In this article:

• What is the Living Cost for International Students in Australia
  • Student Visa Costs
  • Pre-Arrival Costs
• Living Costs in Australia for International Students in Australia
  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Adelaide
  • Canberra
• Tips on How to Manage Your Living Costs in Australia
  • Open an Australian Bank Account Early
  • Shop Smart for Groceries
  • Use Your Student Discounts
  • Choose Accommodation That Includes Your Bills
  • Budget from Day One
• FAQs
• Key Takeaways
• Planning Your Budget is the First Step to Settling In

What are the Living Costs for International Students in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs sets the minimum financial requirements for student visa applications. As of 2025, international students need to prove they have access to at least $29,710 per year (approximately $2,475 per month) to secure a student visa.

If you’re moving with family, this amount increases to $10,394 for a partner and $4,449 for each child. For full details, visit the Student 500 Visa requirements page.

While these figures are a useful starting point, actual living costs in Australia for international students depend on where you live, how much you spend and the kind of student experience you want to create for yourself.

Student Visa Costs

Alongside your everyday living expenses, it’s important to budget for your student visa application, too. As of 2025, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee starts at around $1,600, although additional costs can apply based on specific circumstances.

It’s also worth budgeting expenses such as medical checks and document translations. These costs vary between countries, so check the latest requirements before applying.

Planning for these upfront expenses early makes the transition into student life far less stressful once you move.

Pre-Arrival Costs

Before you settle into your new routine in Australia, there are a number of one-off expenses to prepare for.

Common pre-arrival costs include:

• Flights to Australia
• Initial Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) payment
• The first month of rent and your rental bond
• Setting up an Australian SIM card or mobile plan
• Everyday essentials like bedding, kitchenware or study supplies if they’re not already included with your accommodation

Many students find it helpful to arrive with a buffer for these costs, so everyday life feels easier from day one. Fully furnished student accommodation also reduces the number of things you need to organise when you arrive.

Living Cost in Australia for International Students By City

Living expenses in Australia can look quite different depending on where you study. While Sydney and Melbourne tend to have higher rent prices, cities like Adelaide and Canberra are more budget-friendly while offering a student lifestyle all of their own.

Sydney

Sydney offers an exciting student lifestyle, with beaches, nightlife, great food and top-rated unis like UTS and UNSW all within reach. That premium lifestyle comes at a price, though. Students living closer to the CBD generally pay more, though shared housing and budgeting make everyday living more than manageable. Public transport is well-connected through the Opal network, and part-time employment helps support the vibrant city lifestyle.

Explore Sydney accommodation options.

Melbourne

Consistently ranked as Australia’s best student city, Melbourne’s creative culture, cafe scene, live music and walkable neighbourhoods hold mass appeal. While generally more affordable than Sydney, living expenses in Australia’s cultural capital are still significant. One major perk is the International Student Travel Pass, which offers eligible undergraduate students a 50% discount on public transport through 90-, 180- and 365-day passes.

Discover Melbourne student accommodation options.

Adelaide

Adelaide’s smaller size, lower rental prices and relaxed pace make settling into independent living that much easier. Many students enjoy the lower living expenses that Australia’s festival city offers. Its balance of affordability and lifestyle with beaches, universities, dining and entertainment all close by is a big drawcard for students wanting a more laid-back time in Australia. 

Browse student accommodation in Adelaide.

Canberra

Canberra offers a quieter and more relaxed student lifestyle while still being home to several prestigious universities. The city is known for its green spaces, short commutes and bike-friendly infrastructure, all of which reduce living expenses in Australia’s national capital.

See Canberra’s student accommodation options for yourself. 

Tips on How to Manage Your Living Costs in Australia

Managing your living costs as an international student comes down to building small habits early, from how you shop to where you live. A few simple decisions make everyday life feel far more manageable while helping to stretch your budget further.

Open an Australian Bank Account Early

Setting up an Australian bank account soon after you arrive makes everyday spending simpler. It allows you to receive wages from part-time work, pay rent easily and avoid international transaction fees that come with using a card from your home country.

Shop Smart for Groceries

Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to reduce weekly spending. If you plan your meals ahead of time, shop during grocery sales and buy essentials in bulk, you’ll enjoy noticeable savings. Hit up the local markets or discount supermarkets to further reduce your living costs in Australia as an international student.

Use Your Student Discounts

Your student ID card can help you save in more ways than you might expect. Cafes, restaurants, cinemas, transport networks and retail stores all offer student discounts throughout Australia. Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Edge also bring together discounts on food, fashion, tech, subscriptions and entertainment.

Choose Accommodation That Includes Bills

Accommodation that includes utilities makes budgeting more straightforward. You’ll know exactly what your housing costs look like upfront, instead of managing separate electricity, internet and water bills each month.

Accolade includes these everyday essentials, helping you settle into independent living more easily. Choose your favourite Accolade property from the list below:

• Accolade On Gibbons (Sydney)
• Accolade On Regent (Sydney)
• Accolade On A’Beckett (Melbourne)
• Accolade On Gray (Adelaide)
• Accolade On Waymouth (Adelaide)
• Accolade On Moore (Canberra)

Budget from Day One

Creating a budget early helps you understand where your money is going before the costs add up. Many students use budgeting apps to track their weekly spending, set savings goals and manage the cost of rent, groceries and entertainment with more clarity. 
 

FAQs

How much money do I need per month as an international student in Australia?

The Australian Government currently requires international students to have access to at least $29,710 per year, or around $2,475 per month for a single student.

Actual living expenses in Australia vary based on the city you live in, your accommodation choice and your lifestyle.

What is the cheapest Australian city to study in?

Adelaide is consistently ranked one of the most affordable and liveable major cities in Australia. Its lower rent prices and cheaper transport make it especially attractive for students, as does the access to the high quality universities that Adelaide provides.

Can international students work to help cover their living costs?

Yes, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks.

Popular student jobs include hospitality, retail, tutoring, customer service and food delivery. These roles cover everyday living expenses.

As of July 2025, Australia’s national minimum wage is $24.95 per hour, although you may earn more if you are employed as a casual worker.

What is OSHC and how much does it cost?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students studying in Australia or anyone on a student visa. It covers basic medical services, hospital care and some prescription medicines.

OSHC cannot be waived for international students and is payable upfront before your visa is approved. Single student cover starts from around $500-$700 per year.
 

Key Takeaways

• Living costs in Australia for international students average around $2,200-$2,500 per month.
• The Australian Government currently requires students to prove access to $29,710 per year to be granted a visa.
• Sydney and Melbourne are Australia’s most expensive student cities; Adelaide is generally more affordable.
• Accommodation is usually the biggest living cost in Australia for international students, with savings coming from cooking at home, student discounts and all-inclusive accommodation.
• Part-time work helps international students manage everyday living costs while studying.
   

Planning Your Budget Is the First Step to Settling In

Understanding your living costs early makes student life in Australia far more manageable. Small planning habits make a big difference, from accommodation to groceries, transport and everyday spending.

Discover how Accolade’s student accommodation options simplify living costs in Australia for international students with all-inclusive bills, making it easier to settle into independent living from day one.