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Cost of Living in Australia for Indian and International Students 2025
Edited By Ipshita ghosh | Updated on May 27, 2024 02:28 PM IST
Many Indian students choose Australia to study at its world-class universities, hoping for better career growth. Along with good education quality, the country also offers a high-quality life. Australia has some of the best student cities in the world like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, etc. that are home to some of the top universities in Australia and consider student safety the topmost priority. In cities like Melbourne, the cost of living depends whether you live in a city or a suburb. Usually, living in the suburbs is more affordable, however, accommodation costs are higher in the city. Indian students who are interested in planning their study in Australia should know the monthly expenses required to live in this country. On average, the cost of living in Australia for an International student monthly is around INR 91,073.7 (1,619 AUD), excluding rent. These living expenses in Australia for international students are high when compared with India, however, the cost of living in Australia 2025 is almost the same or lower if we compare it to the cost of living in USA and UK. In this article, We have provided a complete list of the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses that are usually required while staying in Australia.
This Story also Contains
- How Living Expenses in Australia for International Students is Calculated?
- Cost of Living in Australia Per Month
- Annual Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
- Accommodation Cost in Australia for International Students
- Clothing Cost in Australia
- Transportation Cost in Australia
- Miscellaneous Expenses in Australia
- Average Cost of Living in Australia (Monthly) : City-Wise
- Tips to Save Money in Australia
Read More: Student life in Australia
How Living Expenses in Australia for International Students is Calculated?
The cost of living in Australia is calculated by considering several parameters and the prices that international students have to pay for them. Following are the costs that combine to make the overall living costs for an international student in Australia.
- Tuition costs
- Accommodation costs
- Travel costs
- Health insurance costs
- Utility costs
- Entertainment costs
- Personal expenses
- Food and groceries
Cost of Living in Australia Per Month
If we exclude the rent, the average, the cost of living in Australia for an International student monthly is around INR 91,073.7 (1,619 AUD). This includes a number of things like food, clothing, transportation, health insurance, WiFi, utilities, and other miscellaneous costs. Depending on which Australian city you live, the cost of living can vary significantly.
Living Expenses in Australia Per Month
| Category | Monthly (AUD) | Monthly (INR) |
| Food & groceries | 300 | 16,900 |
| Clothing & footwear | 60 | 3,390 |
| Transportation (monthly pass) | 150 | 8,450 |
| Health insurance | 80 | 4,500 |
| Wi-Fi & internet | 81 | 4,560 |
| Miscellaneous (gym, entertainment, etc.) | 100 | 5,600 |
| Utilities | 848 | 47,674 |
| Total | 1,619 | 91,074 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 AUD= INR 56.37
Annual Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
The living cost in Australia for international students depends on the location where they choose to live. However, the living expenses in Australia can easily be managed if you plan well and early. Choosing university accommodation options is less expensive as compared to staying in a private apartment. Cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne are some of the most expensive cities in Australia. If your university is located in these cities, then you need to prepare for a bit higher expenditure than the cheaper locations like Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, etc.
The Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government states that every international student who is applying for an Australian student visa needs to show minimum required funds of AUD 29,710 per annum to meet the financial capacity requirement. This is one of the key part of the financial requirement for the Subclass 500 student visa. These changes were announced by the Australian government and they are planning more strategies to manage the increasing count of international students in Australia.
The following table shows how much an international students has to spend annually to live in Australia.
Cost of Living in Australia Annually
| Category | Annual (AUD) | Annual (INR) |
| Food & groceries | 3,600 | 202,800 |
| Clothing & footwear | 720 | 40,680 |
| Transportation (monthly pass) | 1,800 | 101,400 |
| Health insurance | 960 | 56,700 |
| Wi-Fi & internet | 972 | 53,280 |
| Miscellaneous (gym, entertainment, etc.) | 1,200 | 67,200 |
| Subtotal (Excl. housing) | 9,252 | 522,060 |
| Housing & utilities | 10,176 | 572,364 |
| Total | 19,428 | 1,094,424 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 AUD= INR 56.37
Accommodation Cost in Australia for International Students
The cost of accommodation varies significantly depending on the type of accommodation chosen and the location. As an international student, you can either prefer on-campus accommodation or off-campus accommodation in Australia. The on-campus accommodation costs range from moderate to high whereas the off-campus costs range from cheap to high. Most of the on-campus accommodations in Australia include utility charges like electricity, gas, wifi within the rent itself. Whereas for off-campus it can be charged separately ranging from AUD 170 to 215 per month.
So, depending on your requirements you can choose your suitable ones. On average the accommodation costs for on-campus accommodations range from AUD 480- AUD 1,950 per month, while the average monthly costs for off-campus accommodation options cost between AUD 412- AUD 1,900, depending on what you choose. The below table gives a major breakdown of the estimated accommodation costs for international students in Australia.
Accommodation Cost in Australia
| Accommodation Type | Monthly (AUD) | Monthly (INR) |
| On‑Campus (halls/colleges) | 480 – 1,210 | 27,000 – 68,000 |
| On‑Campus (premium) | 1,950 | 1,10,000 |
| Off‑Campus (shared room) | 412 – 933 | 23,200 – 52,500 |
| Off‑Campus (private studio) | 780 – 1,900 | 43,900 – 1,07,000 |
| PBSA (Purpose-Built) | 866 – 2,165 | 48,800 – 1,22,000 |
Food Expenses in Australia
Most of the on-campus accommodations in Australia include the food costs of 3 times a day within the rent itself. Welcoming the international students in Australia, the universities are equipped with Global cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Malaysian, Mexican, etc.
If you are fond of cooking your own meal, rather than eating out, it would be much more economical and save a lot of money. The cost of groceries in Australia is given below:
Groceries Cost in Australia
| Item | Unit | Price (AUD) | Price (INR) |
| White Rice | 1 kg | 3.19 – 3.60 | 180 – 203 |
| Whole Milk (regular) | 1 L | 2.30 – 2.50 | 130 – 141 |
| Bread (fresh white loaf) | 500 g | 3 | 192 |
| Eggs (12) | 12-pack | 7 | 380 |
| Local Cheese | 500 g | ~6.24 | 352 |
| Chicken Fillets | 1 lb (~0.45 kg) | ~5.86 | 330 |
| White Apples | 1 kg | 4.88 – 5.20 | 275 – 293 |
| Bananas | 1 kg | 4.19 – 4.50 | 236 – 253 |
| Oranges | 1 kg | ~4.60 | 259 |
| Tomatoes | 1 kg | ~6.55 | 369 |
| Potatoes | 1 kg | ~3.76 | 212 |
| Lettuce | 1 head | 3.36 – 5.50 | 189 – 310 |
| Water (bottled) | 1.5 L | ~2.38 | 134 |
The total food expenses include the cost of groceries, eating out, going to restaurants, and having tea/coffee/bottled water. It depends and varies person to person.For your understanding purposes, here is a major breakdown of the total estimated food costs for international students in Australia.
Cost of Food for International Students in Australia
| Category | Details | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Groceries (basic) | Milk, rice, bread, eggs, vegetables, fruits, snacks | 250–450 | 14,075–25,335 |
| Cooking cost | Gas/electricity, oil, spices, utensils (shared) | 30–50 | 1,690–2,815 |
| Eating out (casual) | 4–8 fast food or budget meals/month | 80–160 | 4,500–9,000 |
| Eating out (restaurants) | 2–3 mid-range restaurant meals/month | 70–120 | 3,940–6,760 |
| Coffee/snacks outside | 8–10 cafe visits | 40–60 | 2,250–3,380 |
| Water (bottled) | 5–6 bottles/month | 10–15 | 560–850 |
| TOTAL | All combined food-related costs | 480–855 | 27,015–48,140 |
Note: This is estimated food expenses for international students in Australia. It might vary depending on the personal preferences of students.
Clothing Cost in Australia
Students are suggested to wear climate-appropriate clothing while studying in Australia. A pair of jeans and T-shirts are preferred during the summer and for winter, it includes jackets, sweaters, winter coats, etc. Here the cost of clothing in Australia is high when compared with the Asian countries.
Cost of Clothing for International Students in Australia
| Item | Unit | Price (AUD) | Price (INR) |
| Jeans (ordinary brand) | 1 pair/month | 80 | 4,500 |
| Sneakers (branded) | 1 pair (every 2–3 months) | 40 (avg/month) | 2,250 |
| T-shirts (casual/basic) | 2 pcs/month | 70 | 3,940 |
| Dress / Shirt | 1 pc/month | 35 | 2,000 |
| Jacket (lightweight) | 1 per 3 months (⅓ cost/month) | 33 | 1,860 |
| Shorts / Bottoms | 1 pair/month | 50 | 2,815 |
| Socks (cotton, 3 pairs) | 1 pack/month | 15 | 845 |
| Underwear (basic, 3-pack) | 1 pack/month | 20 | 1,125 |
Note: This is estimated clothing for international students in Australia. It might vary depending on the personal preferences of students.
Transportation Cost in Australia
International students can avail of many discounts if they use public transportation with a student card. The cities and towns are equipped with facilities like rail line, and intra-city trams. Students can also choose e-bikes to travel daily or shorter distances.
Average Transportation Cost in Australia
| City / Option | Single Trip (Concession) | Monthly Pass (Concession) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Sydney (Opal) | 1.80– A$3.50 | A$80 – A$160 | 4,500–9,000 |
| Melbourne (Myki) | A$2.75 – A$5.50 (daily cap) | A$90 – A$150 | 5,070–445 |
| Brisbane (Go Card) | A$2 – A$4 | A$120 – A$150 | 6,760–8,445 |
| Perth (SmartRider) | A$1.10 – A$2.40 | A$100 – A$130 | 5,630–7,320 |
| Adelaide (MetroCard) | A$1.25 – A$2.15 | A$70 – A$120 | 3,940–6,760 |
Note: This is transportation options in various Australian cities for international students. It might vary depending on mode of transport and location.
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Miscellaneous Expenses in Australia
Other than the above-mentioned things, there are many other expenses that are to be included in the cost of living in Australia. These can include the costs of books, initial settling costs, household items, entertainment, personal health care items, toiletries, etc.
Here is a major cost breakdown of the miscellaneous expenses in Australia:
Miscellaneous Costs for International Students in Australia
| Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Mobile phone plan | A$20 – A$60 | ₹1,125 – ₹3,380 |
| Laundry & grooming | A$30 – A$100 | ₹1,690 – ₹5,630 |
| Entertainment (movies, gym) | A$40 – A$200 | ₹2,250 – ₹11,260 |
| Streaming services | A$10 – A$20 | ₹563 – ₹1,125 |
| Outdoor/weekend activities | A$20 – A$200 | ₹1,125 – ₹11,260 |
| Stationery & academic supplies | A$40 – A$80 | ₹2,250 – ₹4,500 |
| Health-related misc. (GP, meds) | A$50 – A$100 | ₹2,815 – ₹5,630 |
| Emergency fund / misc. | A$50 – A$200 | ₹2,815 – ₹11,260 |
Note: This is estimated clothing for miscellaneous costs for international in Australia. It might vary depending on the personal preferences of students.
Average Cost of Living in Australia (Monthly) : City-Wise
The cost of living for international students in Australia greatly depend on the place of stay. For example-places like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, Spring Hill etc are comparatively much cheaper than popular Australian cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
Below we have given the city-wise cost of living in Australia in 2025.
City Wise Cost of Living in Australia
| Location | Total Monthly Cost (AUD) | Total Monthly Cost (INR) |
| St Kilda West (Melb) | 2,610–3,443 | 1.47L–1.94L |
| South Brisbane | 2,510–3,410 | 1.41L–1.92L |
| Spring Hill (Bris) | 2,510–3,410 | 1.41L–1.92L |
| Sydney (CBD) | 3,560–4,300 | 2.00L–2.42L |
| Canberra | 2,700–3,500 | 1.52L–1.97L |
| Melbourne (avg) | 2,610-3,443 | 1.47L–1.94L |
Tips to Save Money in Australia
If you feel your cost of living in Australia is higher, then check these money-saving tips for the international students mentioned below.
- Choose affordable university: You should look for the best and cheapest universities in Australia. This will help you cut down on the cost of study.
- Working While Studying in Australia: There are multiple part-time jobs in Australia to help students manage their finances effectively. As an International student, you will be able to work for 48 hours a fortnight with regular studies. The labour laws here protect both domestic and international students, so you can at least get minimum wages.
- Choose on-campus accommodation options: For accommodation, you can prefer the shared rooms on campus, which come along with 3 time meals and 24/7 WiFi. Living on-campus also reduces your transportation costs per month.
- Check for available scholarships: There is a wide range of scholarships in Australia offered by the universities, government and other private organisations. Based on the scholarship you achieve you can either cover your tuition fees or living expenses in Australia.
- Get the ISIC Card for accessing discounts: The ISIC card is a student status card endorsed by UNESCO. Using this ISIC card you can get access to thousands of student discounts on shopping, transportation, food, etc.
- Limit your weekend activities to weekdays: Usually on weekends and public holidays, the dining places, and amusement activities charge 10 to 20% extra, increasing expenditure. So try to plan your outings on weekdays.
- Prefer the local markets: These local farmer markets often provide you with cheaper and fresher fruits and vegetables, saving you money.
- Use public mode of transportation: In case you need to go out, always choose public transports as they are much economical and affordable.
- Apply for education loans: Start planning early if you wish to apply for international education and start preparing your financials. Several financial institutions and banks like HDFC Credila, SBI, etc offer low interest education loans to students, only if all the documents are proper.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cost of living in Australia for Indian students?
On average it costs around Rs.1 to 1.5 lakhs per month for Indian students to live in Australia. In these expenses, the accommodation occupies 50% of the proportion. However, these expenses vary based on the city where you live.
2. Is Australia cheaper than USA?
Both countries have almost similar living expenses. As per the population review, the USA stands in the 10th most expensive country in 2024, whereas Australia occupies the 11th place it. Both the country's average cost of living ranges from USD 1940 to 1950 per month.
3. How much is the rent in Australia per month?
If you consider a single bedroom off-campus in Australia, it can cost around AUD 500 to 600 per week. In Australia, the rent is typically collected on a weekly or fortnight basis.
4. What are the cheapest cities in Australia?
Cities like Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Gold Coast are some of the cheapest cities in Australia, where accommodation and groceries will be available at low prices when compared to costly cities like Sydney and Melbourne, etc.
5. Are there plenty of Indian restaurants in Australia?
If you are living in a city, then there will be a greater number of Indian restaurants. However, the students should know that Indian meals cost more than regular Australian meals.
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Jul 02, 2025
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Yes, after LLB from India, you may apply for the 491 Subclass Visa if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and you meet other eligibility criteria like skills assessment, points test, and regional nomination.
Prahvi Sharma 13 June,2025
To practice medicine in India without completing NEET UG, you'll need to leverage your medical degree from Belarus and upcoming postgraduate degree from the UK. Since the UK is one of the countries exempt from the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), you might be eligible to practice in India without taking the exam.
Key Requirements:
- Registration in the UK: You'll need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, which involves verifying your medical degree and completing any necessary exams, such as the PLAB test.
- Specialist Registration: After completing your postgraduate degree in the UK, you'll need to register as a specialist doctor with the GMC. This registration might exempt you from the FMGE requirement in India.¹ ²
- Indian Registration: With your UK specialist registration, you can apply for registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India. This might allow you to practice medicine in India without taking the FMGE exam.³
Steps to Consider:
1. Verify your medical degree: Get your medical degree from Belarus verified by the GMC in the UK.
2. Complete your postgraduate degree: Finish your postgraduate degree in the UK and register as a specialist doctor with the GMC.
3. Apply for Indian registration: Submit your application for registration with the NMC in India, providing your UK specialist registration and other required documents.
4. Check with Indian authorities Confirm with the NMC and other relevant authorities in India that you're eligible to practice medicine without taking the FMGE exam.
It's essential to consult with the GMC, NMC, and other relevant authorities to ensure you meet all the requirements. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from a medical professional or a consultant familiar with the registration process for international medical graduates.
sadafreen356 21 April,2025
Hi rachna
Pursuing medical studies or MBBS in the USA or Australia can be a bit complex, but I'll break down the steps for you:
USA:
1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physics) from an accredited US institution.
2. *MCAT*: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.
3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in the US that are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Some popular medical schools include Harvard, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
4. *Clinical rotations*: Complete clinical rotations in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.
5. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after graduating from medical school.
6. *Licensure*: Obtain a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series.
Australia:
1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., medicine, health sciences, or biomedical sciences) from an Australian institution.
2. *GAMSAT*: Take the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.
3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in Australia that are accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Some popular medical schools include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and Monash University.
4. *Clinical placements*: Complete clinical placements in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.
5. *Internship*: Complete a one-year internship after graduating from medical school.
6. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after completing your internship.
7. *Registration*: Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as a medical practitioner.
Additional Requirements:
1. *English language proficiency*: Demonstrate English language proficiency by taking exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
2. *Visa requirements*: Obtain a student visa for the US or Australia, depending on your country of origin.
3. *Financial support*: Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
Challenges:
1. *Competition*: Admission to medical schools in the US and Australia is highly competitive.
2. *High tuition fees*: Tuition fees for medical schools in the US and Australia can be very high.
3. *Different accreditation systems*: Medical schools in the US and Australia have different accreditation systems, which can affect the recognition of your degree in other countries.
I hope this helps! If you have more specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
Thanks
Sarishti bhagi 23 March,2025
To get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, it's not required to pursue a master's degree on a student visa. You can apply for PR through different visa pathways like the Skilled Independent visa or Skilled Nominated visa, which are based on points. These visas assess factors like your age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
However, studying in Australia can still help your PR chances. After completing a master's degree, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa, allowing you to work in Australia temporarily. This work experience can boost your points for a PR application.
It's important to know that recent changes in Australian immigration policies have led to an increase in student visa fees and stricter rules. From July 2024, the student visa fee was raised to A$1,600, and stricter measures are in place to prevent students from switching visas frequently.
In short, while studying in Australia can improve your PR prospects, it’s not the only way to apply for PR. You can still apply for PR through the points-based visa system without studying there. However, recent policy changes have increased fees and added regulations, so it’s a good idea to stay updated and consult with a migration expert to choose the best option for you.
Poral Siddartha (siddu) 19 January,2025
Hello,
Here’s a brief overview of your questions regarding higher studies in physiotherapy in Australia:
-
Difference between Doctorate (DPT) and Masters :
- Doctorate in Physiotherapy (DPT) : Typically a clinical doctorate, focused on advanced clinical practice, research, and patient care. It’s a professional degree for those seeking higher clinical expertise and leadership roles.
- Masters in Physiotherapy : More research-oriented and can be specialized in areas like sports, musculoskeletal therapy, or neurophysiotherapy. It’s ideal for expanding knowledge in specific fields.
-
DPT without a Master's : Yes, you can pursue a DPT directly after a BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy). Some universities offer direct entry into the DPT program without requiring a Master's degree.
-
Residency in Australia : Physiotherapists in Australia can apply for residency through the Skilled Migration Program if they meet the qualifications and requirements, including obtaining registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) .
-
Requirements for University Admission :
- Academic qualifications : A BPT degree with good academic standing.
- English proficiency : IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Work experience : Some programs may require clinical experience.
- AHPRA Registration : For practice in Australia, you must register with AHPRA to work as a physiotherapist.
These are general points; individual university requirements may vary.
To get list of top colleges in Australia, visit : https://studyabroad.careers360.com/australia/universities-in-australia-unvlst
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 18 November,2024
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