Most international students monthly budget ranges around 1,200 to 1,900 AUD per month. This covers shared rent, food, transport, phone and internet, and personal expenses. Popular cities usually have higher costs of living. Smaller capitals and regional cities have lower. Your lifestyle and housing choices drive most of the variation.
Here’s a quick list of living expenses in different cities:
Adelaide starts at AUD 1,300 per month (AUD 15,600 per year)
Canberra starts at AUD 1,400 per month (AUD 16,800 per year)
Brisbane starts at AUD 1,400 per month (AUD 16,800 per year)
Melbourne starts at AUD 1,500 per month (AUD 18,000 per year)
Sydney starts at AUD 1,900 per month (AUD 22,800 per year)
Track spending and adjust quickly if you exceed your plan. Use student concessions, shop smart, and target paid internships for higher earnings. Many universities offer free financial counselling and housing advice.
If you’re interested in getting more specific, you can compute your exact budget with this handy cost of living tool.
(Note: Costs are subject to change due to external circumstances.)
