Cost of Living in Australia 2026-2027
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Hundreds of thousands of international students study in Australia each year, a nation ranking among the top study-abroad destinations in the world. When planning to study, one of the main things to think about is the cost of living in Australia, which is a vital part of the overall cost of studying in Australia.
The minimum official financial requirement for a student visa for one year (as of May 2024) is AU $29,710, which is approximately AU $2,475 per month. The non-accommodation portion of your budget, covering essentials like food, transportation, and utilities, would range from AU $800 to AU $1,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location.
Let us delve into the cost of living in Australia, including housing and daily requirements associated with living in the country as an international student, so that you can carefully plan your budget for the academic session 2026-2027. We will also discuss ways to reduce these costs and ease your financial burden of studying in Australia.
Housing Cost in Australia 2026-2027
Depending on your choice of accommodation in Australia, your monthly budget against the cost of living in Australia as an international student can be estimated as follows:
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (in AUD) | Factors to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Homestays | AU $1,000 - $1,400 | Varies with university and location |
| Halls of Residence | AU $1,060 - $3,260 | Varies with university and location |
| Apartment | AU $1,800 - $2,500+ | A private 1-bedroom apartment in a city is much higher on average |
| Shared Apartment | AU $600 - $1,900 | Depends on the city and the number of people |
Average City-Wise Cost of Living in Australia 2026-2027
The cost of living in Australia for international students greatly depends on the place of stay. For example, living in areas like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, or Spring Hill may offer a lower average cost compared to the central business districts of metropolitan cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
The Australian rental market is competitive, and prices are mostly determined by property type, proximity to facilities of transport facilities, and demand. An approximate average cost of living per month in different Australian cities is discussed below:
| City | Average Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | AU $2,200 - $4,000+ |
| Melbourne | AU $1,900 - $3,800 |
| Canberra | AU $1,800 - $3,500 |
| Perth | AU $1,600 - $2,500 |
| Brisbane | AU $1,600 - $2,400 |
| Adelaide | AU $1,400 - $2,100 |
| Gold Coast | AU $1,400 - $2,100 |
Utilities Cost in Australia 2026-2027
When living in Australia, a student's household expenses are also taken into consideration. It is important to pay necessary bills on time, including those for power, water, and internet. These essential utilities are included in the cost of the accommodations, but if they are not, you will need to factor them into the monthly cost of living in Australia.
Given below is a list of your typical household costs across the nation:
| Utility Type | Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) | Shared House: AU $150 - $250 per person Private Apartment: AU $250 - $400 |
| Internet (Wi-Fi) | AU $50 - $80 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Unlimited Talk/Text, Data) | AU $25 - $50 |
| Total Utilities Budget (if renting privately) | AU $225 - $530+ |
Transportation Cost in Australia 2026-2027
Travel expenses within different cities are included in the cost of living in Australia for international students. In general, you will need to make a lot of travel to get where you are going if you live far from your university. However, you can take advantage of some of the student discounts offered to international students to manage these costs.
Public transportation is another option for getting around the city. It is quite convenient and has good connections. Instead of using cabs, riding the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be far less expensive.
| Transportation | Average Cost (in AUD) | Key Factors to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Full Fare) | AU $4 - $6 | Varies by distance, zone, and city (using smartcard/app) |
| Monthly Pass / Weekly Cap | AU $100 - $220 | This is the full adult price range; many international students in Sydney, New South Wales, Victoria and Melbourne must pay this rate as they are not eligible for a concession. |
| Monthly Pass (Concession) | AU $60 - $120 | Only available in certain states (Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania) and for specific courses in others |
| Gasoline (1 Litre) | AU $1.80 - $2.30 | Highly volatile; necessary only if you plan to own/rent a car |
| Taxi/Rideshare (per km) | AU $2.50 - $3.50 | Starting tariff (flag fall) is additional; use for occasional travel, not daily commute |
Food & Grocery Cost in Australia 2026-2027
Food & grocery amounts to the everyday cost of living in Australia as an international student. If you cook your meals instead of frequently going out to expensive restaurants, it can be more economical. Locating neighbourhood supermarkets in Australia that sell the ingredients for meals you can make at home is a useful strategy.
The overall grocery budget for a student who cooks could range from AU $300 - $600 per month or AU $70 - $150 per week. The prices for some basic supplies and food items are as follows:
| Grocery Products | Average Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| White Rice 1 kg | AU $3.60 |
| White Fat Milk 1 Litre | AU $2.02 |
| 1 kg Apples | AU $5.20 |
| 1 kg Oranges | AU $2.60 |
| 1 kg Tomatoes | AU $6.00 |
| 1.5 Litres of Water | AU $2.40 |
| Bread | AU $3.41 |
| 1 kg Potatoes | AU $3.81 |
| Lettuce | AU $5.50 |
| 500 gm Cheese | AU $7.70 |
| 1 kg Bananas | AU $4.50 |
| Fast Food Combo Meal | AU $15.00 |
| 12 Eggs | AU $8.00 |
Entertainment and Leisure Cost of Living in Australia 2026-2027
International students will probably find that the leisure and entertainment cost of living in Australia are somewhat higher. This vibrant environment could attract you with a variety of choices, including delicious food, movies, shopping, and more. In Australia, monthly expenses for shopping and entertainment might amount to about AU $150 - $400.
Here’s an overview of the monthly expenses related to sports, clothing, and leisure activities.
| Leisure Activity | Recommended Cost Range (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | AU $50 - $100 |
| Cinema Ticket (Concession) | AU $15 - $20 |
| Eating Out (Casual Meal) | AU $15 - $25 |
| Total Monthly Leisure Budget | AU $150 - $400 |
Healthcare Cost in Australia 2026-2027
When planning a study in Australia, one of the most important things that international students need to think about is the expense of healthcare abroad. International students must obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay to satisfy visa requirements. It is one of the undeniable and mandatory expenses that the overall cost of living in Australia comprises.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (in AUD) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| OSHC Premium (Single Student) | AU $600 - $1,000 per year | Mandatory, paid upfront for the entire visa duration |
| Emergency Ambulance | Covered by OSHC | All OSHC policies include ambulance cover |
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medical Services
Although OSHC provides cover, international students would encounter an ‘out-of-pocket gap’ where the doctor’s fee is higher than the amount set by the government (the Medicare Benefits Schedule, or MBS) that the OSHC will reimburse. This amounts to the unplanned cost of living in Australia.
| Healthcare Service | Full Fee (in AUD) | Student Out-of-Pocket Reality (The ‘Gap’) |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner (GP) visit | AU $90 - $100 | $0 - $30. Many clinics ‘Bulk Bill’ the OSHC for the full cost, resulting in a $0 fee. If not, the gap is $20–$30. |
| Specialist consultation | AU $130 - $230 | $50 - $150. OSHC covers 85% of the MBS fee. A significant out-of-pocket gap is common if the specialist charges higher fees. |
| Prescription medication | AU $25 - $35 | OSHC covers costs above a certain threshold (co-payment) for eligible medications, but the student pays the initial co-payment fee. |
| Dental / Optical / Physio | AU $50 - $500 (Session cost) | High Gap or Not Covered. These services are not covered by basic OSHC, requiring a separate, more expensive ‘Extras’ policy, or paying the full cost. |
| Emergency Room Visit | AU $500 - $1,000 | Largely Covered. OSHC covers necessary treatment in public hospitals for emergency admissions. |
Tips to Save Money in Australia for International Students
The most effective way to save money is through smart planning. By targeting an average expenditure of AU $2,500 per month (as per the visa minimum), international students can effectively manage their finances. Additionally, exploring the different scholarships in Australia could help offset the high cost of living in Australia as an international student. Refer to the tips below for fool-proof cost-saving planning:
Tip 1: Prioritise Your Location
- Choose Affordable Cities: Rent is the largest cost. Cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, or regional areas, are significantly cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne.
- Shared Accommodation: Always opt to live in a shared house/apartment with flatmates to split the rent and utilities (this can save over AU $1,000 per month compared to a private apartment).
Tip 2: Control Food Costs
- Cook at Home: This is the single biggest saver when trying to reduce your cost of living in Australia. Budget to spend roughly AU $300–$600 per month on groceries.
- Shop Smart: Buy non-perishables in bulk and hunt for weekly specials at budget supermarkets (Aldi, Coles, or Woolworths).
- Avoid Takeaway: Limit eating out, as a single casual restaurant meal can cost AU $20–$30.
Tip 3: Maximise Student Discounts & Transport
- Get a Student ID/Pass: Using your student card to claim discounts (10–20%) at museums, cinemas, retailers, and restaurants would reduce your overall cost of living in Australia.
- Master Public Transport: Utilise buses, trains, and trams. In states that offer it (e.g., QLD, SA, WA), apply for the student concession card to halve your travel costs.
- Walk or Cycle: For short-distance commutes, a bike is the cheapest option after the initial purchase.
Tip 4: Earn and Budget Strategically
- Find Part-Time Work: Your Australian student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term (and full-time during breaks) to supplement your living expenses.
- Track Spending: Using budgeting apps (like Splitwise for shared bills) to track every expense against your AU $2,500 monthly budget, helping you closely monitor your cost of living in Australia.
- Seek Financial Aid: Apply for both university and government scholarships, grants, and bursaries before and after arrival.
Tip 5: Be Smart with Finances & Utilities
- Use Low-Fee Banking/Transfer: Open a local Australian student bank account to avoid monthly fees, and use money transfer services (instead of traditional bank wires) to save on international exchange fees.
- Manage Utilities: Be conscious of electricity/gas use, especially with heating and cooling, as these can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly bill if not managed.
In simple terms, you require careful financial planning to cope with the cost of living in Australia as an international student. Location, lifestyle choices, and personal spending habits influence overall budgets. Nevertheless, students could manage their finances through budgeting, utilising several student discounts, and applying for various part-time jobs.
Planning to study in Australia? Connect with AECC experts to get comprehensive guidance on preparing to apply to the best Australian universities.