Cost of Living in Australian Cities (2026 Guide for Indian Students)

Priyanka Chandwani
February 26, 2026
12:10 pm
8 min Read

Summary

This 2026 guide explains the cost of living in Australia for Indian students, including updated monthly expense estimates and city-wise comparisons across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. It breaks down accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses, while highlighting more affordable cities and practical cost-saving strategies. The guide also explains how living expenses impact student visa requirements and financial planning, helping students create a realistic budget before choosing their study destination.

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Australia remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education. While tuition fees are a major consideration, understanding the cost of living is equally critical for financial planning, visa compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Living expenses in Australia vary significantly depending on the city, accommodation type, and lifestyle choices. In this guide, we break down updated 2026 estimates, compare major student cities, and help you plan realistically before making your decision.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Australia?

As of 2026, international students in Australia typically budget:

AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,800 per month (excluding tuition)
Approx. AUD 29,710 per year minimum financial requirement for student visa purposes (as per Australian student visa financial capacity guidelines)

Your actual expenses will depend on:

City of residence
Accommodation type (shared vs private)
Proximity to campus
Lifestyle and discretionary spending

Rent is the largest expense, followed by food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses.

City-Wise Cost of Living Comparison (2026 Estimates)

Below is a comparative overview of estimated monthly living expenses for major Australian student cities:

City	Rent (Shared Accommodation)	Food & Groceries	Transport	Utilities & Internet	Other Expenses	Approx. Total Per Month
Sydney	AUD 900–1,500	AUD 300–450	AUD 60–90	AUD 120–180	AUD 150–250	AUD 2,000–2,800
Melbourne	AUD 800–1,300	AUD 280–430	AUD 50–80	AUD 110–170	AUD 140–230	AUD 1,800–2,600
Brisbane	AUD 700–1,100	AUD 260–400	AUD 40–70	AUD 100–160	AUD 120–200	AUD 1,600–2,300
Adelaide	AUD 650–950	AUD 250–380	AUD 40–60	AUD 100–150	AUD 110–190	AUD 1,500–2,100
Perth	AUD 650–1,000	AUD 270–420	AUD 40–70	AUD 100–160	AUD 120–200	AUD 1,600–2,200
Canberra	AUD 850–1,300	AUD 300–450	AUD 50–80	AUD 120–180	AUD 140–230	AUD 1,900–2,700

These figures assume shared accommodation and moderate lifestyle spending. Private apartments or city-centre living will increase overall costs.

Detailed Breakdown of Living Expenses

1. Accommodation

Accommodation accounts for nearly 40–50 percent of total monthly expenses.

Common options include:

Shared apartments
University-managed student housing
Homestay
Private rentals

Weekly rent averages (shared accommodation):

Sydney: AUD 250–380
Melbourne: AUD 220–320
Brisbane: AUD 230–320
Adelaide: AUD 160–240

Regional cities generally offer more affordable rental markets compared to Sydney and Canberra.

2. Food and Groceries

Students who cook at home typically spend AUD 250–450 per month on groceries.

Average grocery prices:

Milk (1 litre): AUD 2–3
Bread: AUD 3–4
Rice (1 kg): AUD 2–4
Chicken (1 kg): AUD 10–14
Vegetables and fruits: AUD 4–7 per kg

Eating out regularly can significantly increase monthly expenses.

3. Transport

Public transport systems in Australia are reliable and student-friendly.

Monthly transport passes generally cost:

AUD 40–90 depending on city and travel zones

Most cities offer student concession fares. Living near campus can reduce transport expenses.

4. Utilities and Internet

If utilities are not included in rent, expect:

Electricity and water: AUD 70–120 per month (shared)
Internet: AUD 20–40 per month (shared)
Mobile plan: AUD 20–50 per month

Health insurance (OSHC) is mandatory for student visa holders and typically costs AUD 40–55 per month.

5. Personal and Lifestyle Expenses

Other expenses include:

Gym memberships
Entertainment
Clothing
Subscriptions
Occasional travel

Budget around AUD 120–250 per month depending on lifestyle.

Also read: Find Affordable and Trusted Student Accommodations

Which Australian Cities Are More Affordable?

If affordability is your priority, consider:

Adelaide
Brisbane
Perth

These cities typically offer lower rent and living costs compared to Sydney or Canberra, while still providing quality education and strong employment opportunities.

Sydney and Melbourne offer more networking opportunities and job markets but come with higher living costs.

How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Australia

Here are practical cost-saving strategies:

Choose shared accommodation.
Live slightly outside city centres.
Cook at home instead of eating out frequently.
Use student concession transport cards.
Compare phone and internet plans before committing.
Work part-time (as permitted by your student visa).

Indian students can work limited hours during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, helping offset some living expenses.

Why Financial Planning Is Critical

Understanding the cost of living is not just about budgeting — it directly impacts:

Student visa approval
Financial sustainability
Stress levels during studies
Ability to focus on academics

A realistic financial plan ensures you can comfortably manage your expenses without compromising your academic performance.

Also read: Study in Australia with Expert Guidance

Final Thoughts

Australia offers world-class education, multicultural exposure, and strong post-study work opportunities. While living costs may seem high compared to India, strategic city selection and smart budgeting can make studying in Australia financially manageable.

If you are planning to study in Australia, PFEC Global India can help you:

Compare universities based on living costs
Choose affordable cities and campuses
Build a personalised cost projection
Understand part-time work options
Plan your overall study budget

Speak to our counsellors to get a customised cost estimate based on your chosen course and intake.