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Cost of Living in Australia for Students & Family in 2025

Australia offers a standard quality of life, stunning natural sites, and vibrant cities. It has become a top choice for people worldwide seeking employment, education, or vacation, and for good reason.

It is among the countries where the cost of living can be quite high; therefore, knowing the possible expenses is very important. This article will focus on the cost of living in Australia and look at the various factors that can contribute to these costs.

For those who are planning to migrate to Australia, do read on!

Disclaimer: This article contains information gathered from online platforms as of August 26th, 2024. The sources are provided below.

Team Digit

Living Cost for Students
Living Cost for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Living Cost in Top Australian Cities
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Australia
What is the Average Income in Australia?
How Expensive is Australia Compared To Countries?
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions

Average Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

Currently, Australia has become one of the most preferred study destinations for international students. Below is a breakdown of the typical living cost in Australia for international students :

Average Living Cost in Australia for International Students	Monthly Expenses (in AUD)
Accommodation	AUD 800 - AUD 2,000
Food and Groceries	AUD 280 - AUD 480
Transportation	AUD 75 - AUD 216
Utilities	AUD 270 - 490
Entertainment	AUD 100 - AUD 120
Personal Expenses	AUD 80 - AUD 90

Average Cost of Living in Australia for Bachelors, Couples & Families

Understanding Australia's average cost of living is crucial for effective financial planning, whether you're single, a couple, or raising a family. The table below will help you plan your finances accordingly:

[Source]

Area of expense	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	City Centre: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,000/month Suburban Areas: AUD 1,200 - AUD 1,800/month	City Centre: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,200/month Suburban Areas: AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,200/month	City Centre: AUD 3,000 - AUD 5,000/month Suburban Areas: AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,500/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 80 - AUD 150/week	AUD 150 - AUD 250/week	AUD 200 - AUD 350/week
Transportation	AUD 30 - AUD 60/week	AUD 50 - AUD 100/week	AUD 150 - AUD 250/week
Utilities	AUD 150 - AUD 200/month	AUD 180 - AUD 250/month	AUD 250 - AUD 400/month
Entertainment	AUD 50 - AUD 150/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 150 - AUD 300/week
Personal Expenses	AUD 50 - AUD 150/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 150 - AUD 300/week

Cost of Living in Major Cities in Australia

Here is a list of the average cost of living in the top cities of Australia:

Cost of Living in Sydney

The average cost of living in Sydney is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	AUD 650 – AUD 1,000/month	AUD 1997/month	AUD 2,000 - AUD 3,500/month	AUD 3759/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 754/month	AUD 863/month	AUD 150 - AUD 250/week	AUD 2215/month
Transportation	AUD 160/month	AUD 626/month	AUD 60 - AUD 120/week	AUD 1626/month
Utilities	AUD 190/month	AUD 177/month	AUD 200 - AUD 300/month	AUD 273/month
Entertainment	AUD 50-AUD100/month	AUD 50-AUD 100/month	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 300 – AUD 800/month

Cost of Living in Melbourne

The average cost of living in Melbourne is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	AUD 800 – AUD 1200/month	AUD 1334/month	AUD 1,800 - AUD 3,200/month	AUD 2155/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 500- AUD 600/month	AUD 566/month	AUD 140 - AUD 220/week	AUD 1450/month
Transportation	AUD 160/month	AUD 315/month	AUD 50 - AUD 100/week	AUD 803/month
Utilities	AUD 220/month	AUD 121/month	AUD 180 - AUD 270/month	AUD 181/month
Entertainment	AUD 80- AUD 140/month	AUD 80 – AUD 140/month	AUD 90 - AUD 170/week	AUD 120 – AUD 480/month

Cost of Living in Perth

The average cost of living in Perth is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	AUD 300 – AUD 800/month	AUD 1713/month	AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,800/month	AUD 2740/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 696/month	AUD 872/month	AUD 120 - AUD 200/week	AUD 2216/month
Transportation	AUD 168/month	AUD 385/month	AUD 45 - AUD 90/week	AUD 997/month
Utilities	AUD 147/month	AUD 204/month	AUD 160 - AUD 240/month	AUD 327/month
Entertainment	AUD 50 -AUD 100/month	AUD 100 – AUD 200/month	AUD 80 - AUD 150/week	AUD 300 – AUD 500/month

Cost of Living in Brisbane

The average cost of living in Brisbane is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	AUD 840 – AUD 2,000/month	AUD 1858/month	AUD 1,800 - AUD 3,000/month	AUD 2555/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 560 – AUD 1,120/month	AUD 851/month	AUD 140 - AUD 220/week	AUD 2180/month
Transportation	AUD 90 – AUD 120/month	AUD 388/month	AUD 50 - AUD 100/week	AUD 998/month
Utilities	AUD 170 – v 215/month	AUD 175/month	AUD 180 - AUD 270/month	AUD 257/month
Entertainment	AUD 80 – AUD 100/month	AUD 100 – AUD 150/month	AUD 90 - AUD 170/week	AUD 300 – AUD 400/month

Cost of Living in Canberra

The average cost of living in Canberra is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	AUD 400–AUD 500/week	AUD 1,400 - AUD 2,600/month	AUD 1,900 - AUD 3,300/month	AUD 3,000 - AUD 5,200/month
Food and Groceries	AUD 100–AUD 150/ week	AUD 95 - AUD 145/week	AUD 145 - AUD 230/week	AUD 230 - AUD 360/week
Transportation	AUD 4.80/ day	AUD 40 - AUD 70/week	AUD 60 - AUD 120/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week
Utilities	AUD 20–AUD 50/ week	AUD 150 - AUD 200/month	AUD 200 - AUD 300/month	AUD 300 - AUD 450/month
Entertainment	AUD 40 - AUD 80/week	AUD 75 - AUD 150/week	AUD 100 - AUD 200/week	AUD 150 - AUD 300/week

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Australia

It is important to consider the following factors that impact the cost of living in Australia: -

Location

Regional areas offer more affordable living but fewer amenities, whereas urban areas like Melbourne and Sydney tend to be pricier due to high demand.

Lifestyle

Personal choices such as dining out and leisure activities can impact living expenses in Australia.

Housing

Rent and property prices determine the housing costs in Australia.

Transportation

Public transport is usually affordable in major cities. However, owning a car can increase expenses.

Utilities and Groceries

Groceries can be more expensive in remote areas due to transportation costs. Utility costs vary by region.

What is the Average Income in Australia?

As of 2024, the average income in Australia is approximately AUD 92,000 per year. The income needed to live comfortably in Australia varies based on the city and lifestyle:

Student: An income of around AUD 25,000 to AUD 35,000 per year is usually sufficient to live comfortably as a student.
Bachelor: A single person typically needs an annual income of AUD 50,000 to AUD 70,000 to live comfortably in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Couple: A couple generally needs a combined income of around AUD 80,000 to AUD 120,000 per year to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Families: An annual income of AUD 120,000 to AUD 180,000 is usually required to cover all expenses for a family of four.

The following table provides an overview of the average salary in Australia:

Job Profile	Average Salary (in AUD)
Neurosurgeon	AUD 389,942 - AUD 1,023,102
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	AUD 400,000 - AUD 204,000
Anaesthetist	AUD 380,000
Financial Analyst	AUD 300,000
Head of HR/HR Director	AUD 300,000
Legal Professionals	AUD 200,000
Construction Manager	AUD 175,000
Mining Engineer	AUD 180,000
Financial Investment Advisor	AUD 160,000
Pilot	AUD 160,000
Software Architect	AUD 150,000
Project Manager	AUD 116,000
Architect	AUD 109,000
Civil Engineer	AUD 88,800
Teacher	AUD 74,800
Registered Nurse	AUD 72,600
Accountant	AUD 66,100
Secretary	AUD 43,800

How Expensive is Australia Compared to Other Countries?

Australia is known for its higher cost of living, which is higher than in 87% of countries around the world. However, the country provides excellent healthcare, high wages, and social services to balance this out. If you are considering moving to Australia, it's crucial to understand the comparison between the country's expenses and those of other major nations.

The following table compares the average cost of living in Australia with other major countries of the world:

City	Accommodation (1BHK) (Monthly)	Transportation (Monthly)	Meal for 2 People (3 course)	Others (Miscellaneous Expenses)
Sydney	Starting AUD 2,255.23	Starting AUD 160	AUD 120	AUD 50 - AUD 100 (per month)
New York	Starting $2,960	Starting $132	$130	Starting $200 (per month)
London	Starting £1,100	Starting £177	£80	£200 - £300 (per month)
Singapore	S$2,000 - S$4,000	S$1,000 - S$1,500	S$92.50	S$200 - S$400 (per month)
Dubai	Starting AED 4,904	Starting AED 300	AED 300	AED 600 (per month)
Tokyo	¥150,000 - ¥200,000	¥10,000 to ¥15,000	¥7,125	¥10,000 - ¥15,000 (per month)
Berlin	€800 - €1,200	€80 to €90	70	€100 - €200 (per month)
Shanghai	Starting CNY 3,785	Starting CNY 250	CNY 200	CNY440 (per month)

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Australia

Consider the following tips to reduce the cost of living in Australia:

Use budgeting apps and spreadsheets to track your spending and identify areas where you can cut back.
Consider living in less expensive suburbs or sharing apartments with friends.
Save on transportation costs by using public transport instead of owning a car.
To reduce grocery bills, shop at street and flea markets.
Save on utilities by using energy-efficient appliances.
Minimise entertainment costs.
Take advantage of student and senior discounts. Many places in Australia offer reduced rates for students and seniors.
Consider applying for a student job to save some extra money.

Hence, clearly understanding the average expenses in Australia is crucial whether you are considering studying there or settling with your family. Making a budget and planning your finances will ensure you enjoy a fulfilling and comfortable life in one of the world's most amazing destinations.

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FAQs about the Cost of Living in Australia

All

Is living in Australia expensive for international students?

Australia can be relatively costly for an international student, depending on the city they live in. However, cost control makes it easier to manage costs.

What is the cost of living in Australia for Indians?

Indians in Australia, like any other immigrant, have to pay between AUD 2000 and AUD 4000 a month for living expenses depending on the city and lifestyle.

How much is rent in Australia per month?

Rent prices vary across different states and cities in Australia. In the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment costs AUD 2,800, with a minimum of AUD 1,500.

Do Indians settle in Australia?

Yes, Indians migrate to Australia for employment, a better standard of living, and education.

Is it expensive to live in Australia?

Yes, accommodation and grocery prices are relatively high in Australia compared to the rest of the world.

How much salary enough to live in Australia?

An average salary of AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000 per year is enough to live comfortably in Australia.

How much does Australia tax on salary?

Australia has a progressive tax structure begins at 19% and can increase to 45% based on one’s income.

How much salary is required to stay in Australia?

The required salary depends on the city and the living standards; however, if one wants a comfortable life, AUD 70 000 to AUD 100 000 a year is enough.

How much does it cost for Indian students to study in Australia?

Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, depending on the course and institution. Living expenses add another AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 per year.

How much does healthcare cost in Australia?

Australia’s healthcare is partially free, but private health insurance may cost AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 per year.

Is Australia expensive for international students?

Yes, Australia is quite expensive compared to other countries for international students, but scholarships and part-time jobs can easily overcome these expenditures.

Which city in Australia has the lowest cost of living?

Adelaide is regarded as one of the cheapest cities in Australia.

Is Australia more expensive than India?

Yes, the cost of living in Australia is considerably higher than in India.

Are healthcare costs high in Australia?

The overall expenditure on health care in Australia is rather affordable compared to other developed countries. Though there are government facilities, people have to pay for private Health insurance, which ranges between AUD 100 and AUD 300 per month, depending on the type of insurance.

How much does it cost to eat out in Australia?

The price of a serving of meals could vary depending on the restaurant’s price range. On average, a mid-scale restaurant costs around AUD 20 to AUD 40 per person.

How costly is Internet service in Australia?

Access to the Internet in Australia is very expensive, ranging between AUD 60 and AUD 100 per month.

Is living in Australia cheaper or more expensive than living in New Zealand?

Living in Australia is a bit more expensive than living in New Zealand, especially when it comes to the rent of houses in areas like Sydney and Melbourne. The overall cost depends on the region and lifestyle one wants to lead.

What is the average price of a car in Australia?

The price of a car in Australia depends on the age and condition. A new compact car typically costs between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000, while used cars can range from AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000.

What is the average cost of childcare in Australia?

The cost of childcare in Australia ranges between AUD 80 and AUD 150 per day.

What is the average price for basic food items in Australia?

The cost of basic groceries, including milk, bread, eggs, etc., varies from approximately AUD 3 to AUD 5 per item.

Are taxes high in Australia?

The Australian government has marginal tax rates at low-income levels, but it has set high marginal tax rates for high incomes.

What is the scope of getting job opportunities in Australia?

There are abundant job opportunities in Australia. With proper guidance, it is possible to land the job that you are seeking.

What is the fastest-growing sector in Australia?

The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia at the moment.

How expensive is Australia?

Australia ranks 9th most expensive country to live in the world.

What should I know about healthcare and insurance when working temporarily in a foreign country?

When working temporarily overseas, understanding how the local healthcare system works is crucial. Some countries don’t extend subsidised healthcare to temporary residents, meaning even minor treatments can be costly. It's wise to either check if your employer offers temporary health coverage or consider taking travel insurance that covers medical emergency treatment while you're staying in the country for a short term.