Expect monthly living costs of about AUD 2,000 to 2,800 for a single student. This includes shared rent, food, transport, phone, and incidentals. Sydney and Melbourne sit at the higher end, while regional cities and smaller capitals are generally cheaper for housing and daily expenses.
A typical monthly budget can include rent 800 to 1,800 in share housing, food 400 to 600, transport 120 to 200, phone and internet 30 to 80, and other costs. Track spending and use student discounts for public transport and services.
The Department of Home Affairs financial capacity benchmark is AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs. Your actual spending can be lower or higher depending on location and lifestyle choices.
Here’s what living in these cities can be like:
